Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (not specified)
For the health condition: Convalescence

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has historically been used during convalescence—the period of recovery following illness—based on both its essential role in immune function and its antioxidant properties. The rationale for its use is rooted in the vitamin’s established necessity for normal immune system functioning, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair, which are critical processes during recovery. Scientific studies demonstrate that vitamin C deficiency impairs immunity and wound healing, both important during convalescence. Supplementing vitamin C in deficient individuals or those under increased oxidative stress (e.g., during infection or after surgery) has shown some benefits, such as reducing the duration of respiratory infections and supporting wound healing.

However, the body of evidence supporting vitamin C supplementation for convalescence in otherwise healthy, well-nourished individuals is mixed. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials generally do not show significant benefits in speeding recovery or preventing complications in most convalescent populations unless there is a pre-existing deficiency. The strongest effects are seen in those with low baseline vitamin C levels or increased physiological needs. Historically, vitamin C became popular during convalescence due to scurvy prevention and the work of early 20th-century physicians, but modern evidence suggests its benefit is moderate and context-dependent.

Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some supporting evidence for vitamin C use during convalescence, particularly in the presence of deficiency or elevated requirements, the overall evidence is not robust for routine supplementation in all recovering patients.

More about Vitamin C (not specified)
More about Convalescence

Other ingredients used for Convalescence

Aloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
L-Alanyl-L-glutamine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
Algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Fat liver oil
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Gnaphalium
Glutamine
Glucan peptides
Growth factors
Globulins
Glutathione
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
Lactalbumin
Lactoglobulin
Lipids
Mineral ascorbate
Marine Protein
Malt
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Polysaccharides
Peptides
Quinoa Protein
Rubia yunnanensis
Smartweed
Shark Liver Oil
Shellfish
Sarivan
Trametes

Products containing Vitamin C (not specified)

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