Evidence supporting the use of: Mineral ascorbate
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Mineral ascorbates are buffered forms of vitamin C, such as sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate, which are often used as dietary supplements. The use of vitamin C to support convalescence (the recovery period after illness or surgery) is grounded in scientific rationale, though evidence is moderate. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient with antioxidant properties, and it plays a key role in immune function, collagen synthesis, and wound healing—processes critical during recovery. Several clinical studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections, and may improve wound healing post-surgery or injury. For example, a 2014 review in Nutrients noted that vitamin C deficiency impairs immunity and increases susceptibility to infections, which can prolong convalescence. Supplementation in deficient individuals may restore immune function and support recovery. Furthermore, vitamin C is required for collagen formation, which is necessary for tissue repair after injury or surgery. However, evidence is less robust in well-nourished individuals, and not all studies show a significant benefit for routine supplementation during convalescence. Mineral ascorbates are often preferred for their gentler effect on the stomach compared to ascorbic acid. In summary, while vitamin C (including mineral ascorbates) is scientifically justified for supporting recovery, especially in those with increased needs or deficiency, the overall strength of evidence for its widespread use in convalescence is moderate.
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alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
ambergris
amino acids
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animal protein
animal Tissue
antler
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
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bacteria
BCAA
bee pollen
beef
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beta-glucan
bilberry
bird\'s nest
black currant
blackthorn
bone marrow
bovine
bovine liver
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
butter
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
Centella asiatica
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese pond turtle
chlorella
cistanche
Codonopsis
colostrum
cordyceps
coriolus mushroom
D-Ribose
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Dipeptide
egg
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elderberry
eleuthero
elk antler
Euglena gracilis
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish protein
flat-stem milk-vetch
fulvic acid
ganoderma
garlic bulb
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
Glutamine
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Gnaphalium
goji berry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
haliotis
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hydroxymethylbutyrate
iron
jiaogulan
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
lactalbumin
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
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leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
licorice root
lingzhi
lipids
liquid liver fractions
malt
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ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
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polysaccharides
pomegranate
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