Dose, Source & Strategy: Vitamin C and D for Kids in Cancer Treatment

 

Not all vitamins work the same.

What if the supplements you’re relying on to support your child’s healing… aren’t being used in the way their body actually needs?

In this episode, Season Johnson sits down with Dr. Charles Pennick to break down two of the most widely used—and often misunderstood—nutrients in pediatric cancer support: vitamin C and vitamin D.

This isn’t about adding more supplements. It’s about understanding how to use the right ones, in the right form, at the right time.

Because when it comes to healing, strategy matters just as much as intention.

 

Guest

Dr. Charles Penick MD is a functional medicine doctor based in Eagle, Idaho. He is a leading voice in modern functional medicine, known for his refined yet deeply personal approach to whole-body healing. His work centers on guiding patients through a transformative journey, cleansing the body and mind of hidden toxins, repairing core systems with cutting-edge therapies, restoring balance through hormonal and nervous system support, and ultimately helping them thrive with elevated energy, clarity, and emotional flow. Each consultation is a tailored experience, rooted in advanced diagnostics and delivered with the calm confidence of a physician who truly listens. Whether exploring regenerative therapies like peptides and stem cells, or integrating subtle healing tools like light, sound, or magnetism, Dr. Penick’s method is both science-backed and soul-aware, designed for those seeking not just recovery, but a return to vitality.

 

In This Episode 

00:00  Why nutrients matter during cancer treatment

04:24  Vitamin C beyond immune support

05:32  Whole-food vitamin C vs ascorbic acid

09:32  High-dose vitamin C and clinical relevance

13:20  Vitamin C considerations during treatment

17:22  Vitamin D and immune support

18:53  Why optimal vitamin D levels matter

21:14  Vitamin D dosing for children

22:28  Why vitamin D3 should be paired with K2

Key Takeaways

• Vitamin C is more than ascorbic acid—it works best as a full complex
• Whole-food sources provide co-factors that improve absorption and effectiveness
• High-dose vitamin C behaves differently depending on how it’s delivered (oral vs IV)
• Vitamin D plays a critical role in immune function, inflammation, and recovery
• Optimal vitamin D levels are often higher than conventional lab ranges suggest
• Vitamin D should always be paired with K2 to support proper calcium placement
• Dosing should be personalized based on age, genetics, and current health status
• The goal is not more supplementation—but more intentional supplementation

 

“Vitamin C isn’t just ascorbic acid—it’s an entire complex your body recognizes.” — Dr. Charles Penick MD

 

Resources Mentioned

Guest Links:

Website: https://www.drcharlespenick.com/about

Recommended Tools & Resources

Fullscript (Practitioner-Grade Supplements):

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You’ll also get 15% off your first order + 5% off for life as a podcast listener.

Access it here: https://bit.ly/seasonsfullscript

 

Community & Support

Join Thrive Through Cancer Community: https://biodynamicwellness.com/services

Thrive Beyond Cancer Program: https://biodynamicwellness.com/thrive-beyond-cancer

Learn More About Biodynamic Wellness: https://biodynamicwellness.com

 

Connect with Season

• Website: seasonjohnson.com
• Follow along on Instagram: @seasonjohnson
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