Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Cardiovascular Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been investigated for its potential role in supporting cardiovascular health due to its antioxidant properties, effects on endothelial function, and influence on blood pressure. Epidemiological studies have suggested that higher dietary intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mechanistically, vitamin C may help protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from oxidation, improve nitric oxide production (leading to vasodilation), and reduce systemic inflammation—all factors relevant to the pathogenesis of CVD.
However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of vitamin C supplementation have generally shown modest or no significant benefit in preventing major cardiovascular events or reducing mortality. Some RCTs have reported small reductions in blood pressure and improvements in endothelial function, especially in people with low baseline vitamin C levels or those with established hypertension. The effects on lipid profiles and atherosclerotic outcomes are inconsistent. Major guidelines do not recommend vitamin C supplementation specifically for prevention or treatment of CVD in the general population, emphasizing lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions with stronger evidence.
In summary, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and some observational data, high-quality clinical evidence supporting vitamin C supplementation for cardiovascular disease is limited. Its use is better justified for individuals with deficiency, but not as a general preventive or therapeutic strategy for CVD.
Other ingredients used for Cardiovascular Disease
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)Acai berry
Acetyl L-carnitine
Ajoene
algal oil
Alpha-carotene
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
apple
arjun tree
astaxanthin
astragalus
basil
beet
berry flavor
bilberry
black garlic
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
bonito peptide
broccoli
calamari oil
campesterol
canola oil
capsaicinoids
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chia seed
chokeberry
choline
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cryptoxanthin
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
ethanol
fiber blend (proprietary)
fisetin
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
folate
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gamma tocopherol
garlic bulb
genistein
ginger
ginseng
grape
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
hawthorn
hesperetin
hesperidin
HMR lignan
krill oil
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-carnosine
L-citrulline
L-glycine
L-taurine
Lactobacillus reuteri
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
lycopene
magnesium
Marine lipid
Matcha
Motherwort
mustard seed
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Nattokinase
nicotinamide riboside
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
orange
palmitoleic acid
pantethine
phenolic compounds
phospholipids
phytosterols
pine bark
pineapple
plant sterols
policosanol
pollen
pomegranate
potassium
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
raspberry
red yeast rice
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rutin
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
selenium
black ginger
sitostanol
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Sphaeranthus indicus
spinach
sterols
strawberry
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tocotrienols
Trans-pterostilbene
Trimethylglycine (TMG)
Triphala
Almond fruit
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
vitamin K
Watermelon
Zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
red clover
jiaogulan
gastrodia
capsicum
commiphora
ferulic acid
chrysanthemum
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
Yerba mate
goji berry
amaranth
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
Algae
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
cayenne pepper
soy isoflavones
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Alcohol
arjuna
animal Tissue
arginine creatine
Arginine nitrate
Ardisia
apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Allicin
antirrhinin
avocado
Adrenergic amines
Acacetin
alpha-lipoic acid
astragaloside
anthocyanidins
ampelopsin
Asteraceae
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
Acer truncatum
arjunic acid
Alliin
anthocyanosides
argan nut oil
apocynin
Arginine silicate
Arjunolic acid
astragalin
black seed
butylphthalide
Bidens pilosa
beta-hydroxybutyrate
brutieridin
Brassica
bishop\'s weed
benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
betanin
berry
Brazil nut
boysenberry
bioflavonoids
bee products
banana
baicalin
Bassia scoparia
chia seed
caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Carnosine
calycosin
camelina oil
cashew
cyanidin
Citrus
capsaicin
catecholamine
cowherb
cruciferous
curcumen
chocolate
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
C-phycocyanin
coumaric acid
crocetin
currant
docosahexaenoic Acid
diallyl sulfide
danshen
delphinidin
date
Digitalis
diosmetin
epicatechin
E-Viniferin
ellagic acid
eriocitrin
Eupolyphaga sinensis
ergothioneine
emblicanin
Eicosatetraenoic acid
erythrodiol
eicosapentaenoic acid
Eucommia ulmoides
ellagitannin
folic acid
fruit
fiber
foxglove
flavonoids
formononetin
fish
fatty acids
fungus
flavanones
flavans
flavonones
flavanols
flavones
Ginsenosides
Guava
Glycoside
garlic
Glycine
Glucoraphanin
Glabridin
Higenamine
Haematococcus pluvialis
Hyperoside
hydroxycinnamic acid
hazelnut
hydroxytyrosol
hydroxyphenylethanols
inositol nicotinate
isoliquiritigenin
isoflavones
isoquinoline alkaloids
Ilex
icariin
isothiocyanates
Kokilaksha
Kaempferol
Lycium
ligustilides
Legume protein
lumbrokinase
Ligustrazin
Lactotripeptides
Ligusticum
lipids
Monacolin
Mortierella alpina
mangiferin
Mineral ascorbate
Marine protein
Monoterpenes
Myricetin
macadamia
Monounsaturated fat
Momordica
malvidin
Marine fat
Mate
Methoxylated flavones
Naringenin
Nigella seed
Nobiletin
Nannochloropsis
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Oryza sativa
Propolis
pyrroloquinoline quinone
Phyllanthus
Puerarin
Phenylpropanoids
pagoda tree
Plantago
procyanidol
procyanidin
Prunus
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Piceid
Polydatin
proanthocyanidins
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
polyunsaturated fat
Pepper
Phthalides
Portulaca
punicalagins
paeoniflorin
peanut
Pycnogenol
Phytoestrogens
Pistachio
polymethoxylated flavones
Polygonum
Rutaecarpine
red yeast
Ribose-l-cysteine
Rooibos
ribose
rapeseed oil
Sichuan Lovage
Schizochytrium Oil
Sete sangrias
Soy
Schizochytrium
Selenocysteine
Sitosterol
Salmon Oil
Salidroside
Salvianolic acid
Soy Protein
Schisandrins
Stigmastanol
Sunflower oil
Stearidonic acid
S-allylcysteine
Sesamin
Stilbenoid
Terpenoids
Theobromine
Tea
Tyrosol
Taxifolin
Troxerutin
Triterpenes
Tangeretin
Tanshinone
Taurine
Theaflavin
Tamarind
Thiosulfinate
Uncaria
vegetable oil
Vegetable Protein
Valyl-Prolyl-Proline
Vicenin
White Tea
Walnut
Xanthine
Xantinol Nicotinate
Xanthohumol
Xanthophyll
Zucchini
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by vitamin C
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addison's Disease
Adrenal Fatigue
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Bell's Palsy
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cataracts
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colon (atonic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Copper Toxicity
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Environmental Pollution
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Problems
Eyesight (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Gall Stones
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Gonorrhea
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Lead Poisoning
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lyme Disease
Macular Degeneration
Mastitis
Measles
Memory and Brain Function
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Nose Bleeds
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pancreatitis
PMS (general)
PMS Type C
PMS Type H
Pneumonia
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prolapsed Uterus
Prostatitis
Radiation Sickness
Rashes and Hives
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scars / Scar Tissue
Schizophrenia
Scratches and Abrasions
Scurvy
Shingles
Shock
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Spider Veins
Spinal Disks
Sprains
Strep Throat
Stretch Marks
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Teeth (loose)
Tendonitis
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Uric Acid Retention
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Varicose Veins
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles
Products containing vitamin C
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free Original Formula)
Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine Bowel Detox
Nature's Sunshine Children's Elderberry Immune
Nature's Sunshine Children's MultiVitamin & Mineral
Nature's Sunshine Cortisol Formula (Nature's Cortisol Formula)
Nature's Sunshine Defense Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Detox Basics
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Grapine With Protectors (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine Iron (Chelated)
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free) NEW!
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas
Nature's Sunshine Marine Collagen
Nature's Sunshine Marine Glo Collagen
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine Mega-Chel
Nature's Sunshine Milk Thistle Combination
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Prenatal
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Harvest
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Nutri-Calm
Nature's Sunshine Perfect Eyes
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets To-Go Packs
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Twenty-Four
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Immune
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Revive
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental (Without Iron)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Vari-Gone
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C (1000 mg, Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C (1000 mg, Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Vitamin C Ascorbates
Nature's Sunshine Chewable Vitamin C
Nature's Sunshine Citrus Bioflavonoids (Vitamin C)
Nature's Sunshine Zinc Lozenge
