Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is sometimes used as an adjunct in athletic and exercise settings due to its role as an antioxidant and in the maintenance of connective tissue. The rationale is that intense physical activity increases oxidative stress, and vitamin C, as an antioxidant, could help mitigate exercise-induced oxidative damage, reduce muscle soreness, and potentially improve recovery times. Some athletes also use vitamin C hoping for an immune-boosting effect, as rigorous training can transiently suppress immune function.

However, scientific evidence supporting vitamin C supplementation specifically for enhancing athletic performance or aiding exercise recovery is mixed and generally weak. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that while vitamin C can reduce the incidence and duration of the common cold in athletes under heavy stress, its effects on exercise performance, muscle damage, and recovery are minimal or inconsistent. Some studies even suggest that high-dose antioxidant supplementation (including vitamin C) may blunt some of the beneficial adaptations to training by interfering with the body’s own signaling mechanisms.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence for vitamin C supplementation in athletes—mainly related to immune support—there is little robust evidence that it significantly aids exercise performance, muscle recovery, or athletic gains. Its primary justification is based on theoretical antioxidant benefits rather than strong, consistent clinical outcomes.

More about Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Products containing Vitamin C (Ascorbate)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.