Scientists discovered something surprising: mice that couldn’t make their own vitamin C were protected from a dangerous parasite called schistosomiasis that affects 250 million people worldwide. The parasite needs vitamin C from its host to reproduce and lay eggs. When mice had low vitamin C levels, the parasites couldn’t reproduce properly, which prevented the disease from spreading and causing harm. This challenges what we thought we knew about vitamin deficiencies—sometimes having less of something your body needs might actually protect you from certain infections. The findings suggest that our ancestors may have lost the ability to make vitamin C partly because it helped them survive parasitic infections.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether having low vitamin C levels could protect animals from getting infected with schistosomiasis, a serious parasitic disease
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice, some genetically modified to not produce their own vitamin C (like humans), compared with normal mice that could make vitamin C
  • Key finding: Mice with low vitamin C levels were protected from schistosomiasis because the parasites couldn’t reproduce without vitamin C from their host. The parasites need vitamin C to develop eggs and spread the infection
  • What it means for you: This research is early-stage and only tested in mice, so don’t change your vitamin C intake based on this. However, it suggests that vitamin deficiencies might sometimes have hidden benefits in fighting certain infections. More research is needed before this could apply to humans

The Research Details

Researchers used laboratory mice to test their theory that vitamin C deficiency might protect against parasitic infection. They studied two groups: mice that naturally couldn’t make vitamin C (similar to humans) and normal mice that could produce their own vitamin C. They infected both groups with Schistosoma mansoni parasites and tracked what happened. The scientists also studied the parasites themselves at the cellular level to understand exactly how vitamin C helps them reproduce.

They used genetic and molecular techniques to trace the pathway that vitamin C uses inside the parasites. Specifically, they found that vitamin C helps control something called histone demethylation, which is a chemical process that allows female parasites to develop the structures needed to produce eggs. Without vitamin C, this process breaks down and the parasites can’t reproduce.

The researchers also tested whether giving vitamin C intermittently (on and off) could protect mice from both scurvy (the disease caused by vitamin C deficiency) and schistosomiasis at the same time.

This study design is important because it looks at a real biological mechanism rather than just observing what happens. By studying both the whole animal and the parasites at the cellular level, the researchers could explain exactly why vitamin C deficiency protected the mice. This approach helps us understand whether the finding is a real biological effect or just coincidence

This is a preprint study, meaning it hasn’t been reviewed by other scientists yet, so we should be cautious about the findings. The research was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions with mice, which don’t always match what happens in humans. The sample sizes aren’t specified in the abstract, so we can’t evaluate whether enough animals were tested. The study appears to have solid methodology with multiple approaches to test the same question, which strengthens confidence in the results

What the Results Show

The main discovery was that mice lacking the ability to produce vitamin C were significantly protected from schistosomiasis disease. When infected with parasites, these vitamin C-deficient mice had fewer parasites and less disease damage compared to normal mice. The parasites couldn’t reproduce effectively without vitamin C from their host.

The researchers identified the specific mechanism: vitamin C controls a chemical process in female parasites that allows them to develop the egg-producing structures (called vitellocytes). Without vitamin C, this development doesn’t happen, so the parasites can’t lay eggs and spread the infection.

Interestingly, the scientists found that mice didn’t need to be completely vitamin C-deficient all the time. Mice that had low vitamin C levels intermittently (sometimes low, sometimes normal) were protected from both schistosomiasis and scurvy (the disease caused by vitamin C deficiency). This suggests a potential balance between the two conditions.

The research showed that vitamin C’s role in parasite reproduction is very specific—it works through a particular chemical pathway involving histone demethylation. This finding is important because it shows the effect isn’t just general malnutrition, but a specific nutrient requirement for the parasite. The study also demonstrated that the protection works at the level of preventing transmission, meaning infected mice with low vitamin C couldn’t spread the disease as effectively

This research challenges the traditional view that vitamin deficiencies are always bad for animals. Scientists previously thought that humans and other animals lost the ability to make vitamin C because it didn’t matter much—a neutral evolutionary change. This study suggests there might have been a hidden benefit: protection from parasitic infections. This fits with evolutionary theory that explains why some traits persist even if they seem disadvantageous on the surface

This study was conducted only in mice, so we don’t know if the same protection would work in humans. The research was done in controlled laboratory conditions, which are very different from real-world environments where people live with parasites. The study doesn’t tell us whether deliberately reducing vitamin C intake would be safe or effective for humans—it could cause scurvy and other serious health problems. The sample sizes aren’t reported, so we can’t assess whether enough animals were tested. Additionally, this is a preprint that hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet, so other scientists haven’t verified the findings

The Bottom Line

Do not change your vitamin C intake based on this research. Continue eating foods rich in vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, broccoli, peppers) or taking supplements if recommended by your doctor. This finding is preliminary and only applies to laboratory mice. If you live in an area with schistosomiasis, work with public health officials on proven prevention methods like clean water access and medical treatment. Confidence level: Low for human application; Moderate for the mouse research itself

This research is most relevant to scientists studying parasitic diseases and evolutionary biology. People living in areas where schistosomiasis is common should be aware that new treatment approaches might eventually come from this type of research. Researchers developing new parasite treatments should pay attention to this finding. People should NOT use this as a reason to avoid vitamin C, as deficiency causes serious health problems

This is very early-stage research. Even if the findings hold up in further studies, it would take many years of additional research before any new treatments could be developed and tested in humans. Don’t expect any practical changes to schistosomiasis treatment in the near future based on this single study

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily vitamin C intake in milligrams from food and supplements, aiming for the recommended daily amount (75-90 mg for adults). Log sources like citrus fruits, berries, and vegetables to ensure adequate intake
  • Maintain consistent vitamin C consumption through daily intake of vitamin C-rich foods or supplements. Set reminders to eat one vitamin C-rich food daily (like an orange, bell pepper, or kiwi) to support overall immune health
  • Monitor energy levels, wound healing speed, and general immune health over months. Track any signs of infection or illness. This research doesn’t change current vitamin C recommendations, so continue following standard nutritional guidelines

This is preliminary research published as a preprint and has not yet been peer-reviewed by other scientists. The study was conducted in laboratory mice and may not apply to humans. Do not reduce your vitamin C intake based on this research, as vitamin C deficiency causes serious health problems including scurvy. If you have concerns about parasitic infections or vitamin C intake, consult with a healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals.