Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
For the health condition: Capillary Weakness
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has scientific support for its role in supporting capillary strength and treating capillary weakness, although the evidence is moderate rather than robust. Vitamin C is essential for the biosynthesis of collagen, a critical structural protein in blood vessel walls, including capillaries. Deficiency in vitamin C leads to scurvy, a disease characterized by weakened blood vessels, bleeding gums, and easy bruising, all of which are manifestations of capillary fragility. Restoration of vitamin C reverses these symptoms, providing clear evidence of its necessity for capillary integrity.
Beyond deficiency states, some clinical studies and reviews suggest that vitamin C supplementation may reduce capillary fragility in certain populations, such as individuals with chronic venous insufficiency or those prone to bruising. For example, a double-blind study (Rossi et al., 1982) demonstrated that vitamin C with bioflavonoids reduced capillary fragility in elderly patients. However, most evidence comes from older studies or observational data, and robust, large-scale randomized controlled trials are lacking.
In summary, there is a clear scientific rationale for vitamin C’s role in supporting capillary strength, especially in the context of deficiency. For general use in mild or subclinical capillary weakness, the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive, earning a moderate evidence rating.
More about Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
More about Capillary Weakness
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
AnemiaArthritis
Asthma
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Cuts
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Problems
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis