Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has a scientifically validated role in supporting joint health, primarily due to its involvement in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a key structural protein found in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone—all critical components of the joints. Vitamin C acts as an essential cofactor for the enzymes prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases, which stabilize and cross-link collagen fibers. Deficiency in vitamin C impairs collagen formation, leading to weakened connective tissue and, in severe cases, scurvy, which is characterized by joint pain and poor wound healing.

Beyond its structural role, vitamin C is also an antioxidant, protecting joint tissues from oxidative stress, which can contribute to joint degeneration and diseases such as osteoarthritis. Some observational studies have found that higher vitamin C intake is associated with a reduced risk or slower progression of osteoarthritis, but clinical trials in established disease have yielded mixed results. While vitamin C supplementation is effective in preventing deficiency-related joint issues, there is less robust evidence that high doses provide additional benefit in otherwise healthy individuals or those with existing joint disease.

In summary, there is scientific support for vitamin C’s role in maintaining joint health via collagen synthesis and antioxidant activity, but the evidence for its use in treating or preventing chronic joint diseases is moderate rather than strong.

More about vitamin C
More about Joints

Other ingredients that support Joints

Other body systems supported by vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C

Pure Encapsulations Acerola/Flavonoid
Vitabase Active Man's Formula
Vitabase Active Woman's Multi
Designs For Health Adrenal Complex
Designs For Health Adrenal Complex
Designs For Health Adrenotone™
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Metagenics AdvaClear
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Thorne Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations Aller-Essentials
Pure Encapsulations Aller-Essentials
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Douglas Laboratories Ascorbplex ® 1000 Buffered
Pure Encapsulations Ascorbyl Palmitate
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Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day Multivitamin
Thorne Basic Prenatal Multivitamin
Designs For Health BioFizz® Immune
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Pure Encapsulations Buffered Ascorbic Acid
Pure Encapsulations Buffered Ascorbic Acid
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Thorne Buffered C Powder
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Douglas Laboratories C-1000
Douglas Laboratories C-1000
Douglas Laboratories C-D-Zinc
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Designs For Health CatecholaCalm™
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Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH
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Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Pineapple Banana
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus pH Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear Plus Pineapple Banana
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Designs For Health Twice Daily Multi™
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Metagenics UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics UltraClear Plus Detox Powder Pineapple/Banana
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Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla
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Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
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Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
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Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
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Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
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Metagenics UltraMeal Daily Support Mixed Berry
Metagenics UltraMeal Rice Vanilla
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Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
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Pure Encapsulations VisionPro Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin C
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Douglas Laboratories Vitamin C
Designs For Health Vitamin C Buffered Powder
Thorne Vitamin C With Flavonoids
Integrative Therapeutics Vitamin C with Quercetin
Metagenics Vitamin D3 Liquid
Designs For Health Weight Loss Support Packets
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Thorne Women's Multi 50+
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients
Designs For Health Women's Twice Daily Essential Packets