It's not clear why this happens, but vitamin C can interfere with the way estrogen is broken down and eliminated from the body. If the estrogen level gets too high, it can cause side effects, such as mood changes and trouble sleeping. Ascorbic acid may increase serum estrogen levels in oral contraceptives. The mechanism may be due to a decrease in estrogen metabolism caused by the competitive inhibition involved in ascorbic acid.
Consider monitoring the patient more closely for estrogen-related side effects if ascorbic acid is administered concomitantly. The use of estrogen can lower blood levels of magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc. This may mean that supplementation is recommended. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may cause a mild reaction when taken with estrogen, increasing the more potent estrogen called estradiol.
Some research indicates that vitamin C may improve endothelial function and help regulate hormones. St. John's wort and quercetin can lower estrogen levels, while grapefruit juice can increase estrogen levels. This study is the first report to demonstrate the inhibition of estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis by the antioxidant vitamin C or the estrogen metabolic inhibitor ANF in an animal model of estrogen-induced breast cancer.
These vitamins help the body produce estrogen or support other functions that are related to healthy estrogen levels. Vitamin C is known to boost the immune system, but it also plays a role in estrogen production. The present study is the first to demonstrate the inhibition of breast carcinogenesis by the antioxidant vitamin C or the estrogen metabolic inhibitor ANF in an animal model of estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis.
