Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (mixed)
For the body system: Joints
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin C is scientifically supported as an important nutrient for joint health, largely due to its role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a major structural protein found in cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, all of which are vital to joint function. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor for the enzymes prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, which are necessary for collagen formation. Deficiency in vitamin C can result in impaired collagen production, leading to weakened connective tissues as observed in scurvy, a disease characterized by joint pain among other symptoms.
Several studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin C and joint health, particularly in the context of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some epidemiological studies suggest that higher vitamin C intake may be associated with a reduced risk of developing certain forms of arthritis, or with slower progression of joint damage. However, results from large clinical trials are mixed, with some showing modest benefits and others showing no significant effect. Notably, vitamin C's antioxidant properties may also help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in joint tissues, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis.
Overall, while vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy joints and connective tissue, and deficiency clearly impairs joint function, the evidence for high-dose supplementation specifically to support joints in the absence of deficiency is moderate but not robust. Thus, the evidence rating is 3/5.
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beta caryophyllene
black cumin
black currant
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borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
cabbage leaf
calamari oil
cartilage
cat's claw
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
devil's claw
dog rose
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
gokhru
gooseberry
gotu kola
green lipped mussel
guggul
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
krill oil
l-proline
mackerel
manganese
marine lipid
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-glucosamine
nettle
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
phellodendron amurense
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
protein
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rose hips
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
silicon
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
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white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
capsicum
clerodendrum indicum
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punarnava
commiphora
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anemarrhena asphodeloides
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camphor oil
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noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
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gravel root
bladderwrack
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Antler
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Anamu
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Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
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Amor seco
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Bone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Biopeptide
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Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
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Bugbane
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
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Bogbean
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Boswellia
Black Poplar
Black willow
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Bone Protein
Bee products
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bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
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Bee venom
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Boerhavia diffusa
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Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Crustaceans
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Capsaicin
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Curcumen
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Chicken
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Cowslip
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Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Currant
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Drynaria
Devil's Club
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Dipsacus
Elephant Vine
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Elk antler
Emu Oil
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
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Escin
Eucommia ulmoides
Ecklonia
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