Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Arthritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties, and its potential role in arthritis—particularly osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—has been explored in scientific research. Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis, which is significant because cartilage, a key tissue damaged in arthritis, is rich in collagen. Some epidemiological studies suggest that higher dietary vitamin C intake is associated with a reduced risk of developing certain types of arthritis, particularly OA. For example, a prospective cohort study found that individuals with higher vitamin C intake had a lower risk of developing knee OA.
However, randomized controlled trials specifically investigating vitamin C supplementation for arthritis treatment are limited and have produced mixed results. While vitamin C’s antioxidant properties may theoretically help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in joint tissues, clinical improvements in arthritis symptoms or progression have not been strongly or consistently demonstrated.
There is also some evidence that excessive vitamin C supplementation may be harmful, as high doses have been linked with increased risk of kidney stones and, paradoxically, may exacerbate some inflammatory pathways in certain conditions. Current guidelines do not recommend vitamin C supplementation specifically for arthritis, but maintaining adequate intake as part of a balanced diet is encouraged for general health and collagen maintenance.
In summary, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and some supportive observational evidence, strong clinical evidence for vitamin C supplementation as a treatment for arthritis is lacking.
Other ingredients used for Arthritis
adrenal cortexAlfalfa
algal oil
Allspice
Aloe vera
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bamboo
barberry
basil
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
beta-glucan
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
calamari oil
Cannabis sativa oil
capsaicinoids
carrot
cartilage
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
celery
cherry
chondroitin
chymotrypsin
cinnamon
citrus oil
clove
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
copper
cordyceps
cowage seed
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
curcumin
devil's claw
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
gelatin
genistein
ginger
ginseng
glucosamine
gooseberry
gotu kola
green-lipped mussel
green tea
guggul
heartwood
hemp oil
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
kale
krill oil
kudzu
luteolin
magnesium
Marine lipid
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
Moringa
mustard seed
Myristoleate
N-acetyl-glucosamine
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Nettle
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
spruce
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
papain
phellodendron amurense
phenolic compounds
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pregnenolone
pumpkin
quercetin
raspberry
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Sphaeranthus indicus
spinach
spirulina
strawberry
strontium
thyme
Triphala
ubiquinol
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
Water
Watercress
wheat grass
Mulberry
white willow
Wild yam
Zinc
sarsaparilla
Yellow root
suma
squawvine
jiaogulan
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
Mugwort
alpinia galangal
Clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
commiphora
smilax
Tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
Caesalpinia crista
Rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
Szechuan lovage
buckthorn
Morus
lemongrass
Myrrh
root tuber
ferulic acid
silk tree
chrysanthemum
haliotis
juniper berries
solomon's seal
amber
dioscorea
dodder
ganoderma
sweetgums
Morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
royal jelly
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
fulvic acid
Yucca
barrenwort
Wintergreen
Menthol oil
Gentiana macrophylla
noni
biota seed
goji berry
Abies spectabilis
herbal blend (proprietary)
Algae
indigo leaves
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
soursop
geranium
clematis
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
ash
Aralia
avens
Akebia
apple cider vinegar
aminomonosaccharide
animal Tissue
antler
alpha-humulene
Ardisia
Angelica
apigenin
Allicin
Achyranthes
anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
aucubin
andrographolide
avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Acacetin
alpha-lipoic acid
astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Andrographis
ampelopsin
Actaea spicata
Asteraceae
avenacosides
arjunic acid
aspen
Abalone
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Alantolactone
apocynin
astragalin
atractylone
bee propolis
betony
black seed
bermuda grass
Baikal Skullcap
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bulnesia sarmientoi
bergenin
blubber oil
Blepharis
balsam
bishop\'s weed
Boswellic Acid
bayleaf
Butea monosperma
black galingale
Barleria
big quaking grass
bugbane
bone marrow
baicalein
bee hive
bovine protein
Basidiomycota
berry
bogbean
Boswellia
black poplar
banyan
Black willow
boxwood
bur-reed
bioflavonoids
barbasco
bone protein
bee products
barbary matrimony vine
black nightshade
Bombax
borassus palm
Borassus aethiopum
babassu
bacteria
borage
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
black root
Bupleurum
bittersweet
benzyl isothiocyanate
baicalin
Bassia scoparia
burning bush
bee venom
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
borneol
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Chinese silkvine
curry leaf
caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese mountain ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
camelina oil
cod liver oil
cortisol
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cactus
capillary artemisia
cyanidin
Chinese fleeceflower
Curcuminoid
Citrus
capsaicin
Chinese pond turtle
Chinese raisintree
Chlorophytum
chuchuhuasi
cowherb
cruciferous
curcumen
Centella asiatica
Cetylated Fatty Acids
cedar
corktree
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
C-phycocyanin
cabbage
Crinum latifolium
cannabidiol
cinnamaldehyde
cytokines
Corallina officinalis
Carthamus
Celastrus
copaiba oil
Clerodendrum indicum
currant
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Dimorphandra mollis
docosahexaenoic Acid
dodeca-2E, 4E-dienoic acid isobutylamide
daphne
devil\'s club
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
Dwarf Nettle
dulse
diterpenes
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
European Elder
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Eclipta
elk antler
emblicanin
emu oil
enzyme blend
eicosapentaenoic acid
essential oil blend
elephant\'s head
evening primrose oil
European five-finger grass
Echium
eugenol
Ecklonia
fruit
fucoidan
Flueggea suffruticosa
flavonoids
fo-ti
fang-feng
fat liver oil
Ficus religiosa
fructoborate
fish
fatty acids
fungus
Ficus simplicissima
Flemingia philippinensis
frankincense
flavonones
flavones
Ginsenosides
genipap
Gnaphalium
Gumweed
Gypenoside
golden eye-grass
Glechoma hederacea
Glycosaminoglycans
Gigartina
golden ragwort
Guggulsterones
Galbanum
Golden Willow
Haematococcus pluvialis
Hyperoside
honey
heal-all
horny goat weed
Hemidesmus
Hellebore
hydroxytyrosol
Helicteres isora
Herb Robert
Hempnettle
hemp
Huang hua
Harpagoside
Humulones
Indian nightshade
iridoids
isoliquiritigenin
Indian sarsparilla
iridoid glycosides
isoquinoline alkaloids
Ilex
Indian coraltree
Indian kinotree
Indian fagonia
juglans cinerea
Japanese kadsura
Jatoba
Jatropha macrantha
Kachnar
Kokilaksha
Kaempferol
Lycium
Lithothamnion
Lebbek
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
lichen
Lophira lanceolata
ligustilides
linseed oil
luffa
Lindera
Ligustrazin
lotus
labrador tea
Loranthus
Ligusticum
linalool
Labdanum
Mesua
Maslinic acid
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mustard
mangiferin
Myrcene
Myricitrin
Marine protein
Melia
Monoterpenes
Millet
Malay bush
Mucopolysaccharide
madder
Matapalo Tree
mangostin
Microtea debilis
Marine fat
Meadowsweet
magnolol
Maclura tricuspidata
Millettia
Manchurian thorn
Naringenin
Nigella seed
Night jessamine
Nobiletin
Nymphaea nouchali
Nutmeg
Nimbidin
Ocotillo
Oroxylum indicum
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Oldenlandia diffusa
Oleoperin
Osthole
Phellodendron
Piperine
Phyllanthus
Premna
Pata de Vaca
Piper chaba
Psacalium peltatum
Phenylpropanoids
Phaeophyceae
Plankton
Pluchea
prepared aconite tuber
procyanidin
proteoglycans
poplar
Prunus
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phlorotannins
Polydatin
proteolytic enzymes
polyunsaturated fat
Polypodium
Pepper
Pansit-pansitan
Pentatropis capensis
Portulaca
Piper nigrum
Plumbago zeylanica
Persimmon
Patrinia
paeoniflorin
Physalis angulata
Pycnogenol
Pokeweed
polymethoxylated flavones
Polygonum
Pyrola
Petiveria
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peptides
Qin Jiao
Queen's Delight
rue
Rubus
Ruscus
rockweed
Ruscogenins
rosmarinic acid
Rubiaceae
Rooibos
Rosa roxburghii
Rhododendron
Sichuan Lovage
Sicklepod
Sinapis arvensis
Silkmoth
Sophora
Sesbania
Scoparia dulcis
Sete sangrias
Siegesbeckia
Smartweed
Solanaceae
Sesquiterpenes
Shark Liver Oil
Schizochytrium
Self-Heal
Spikenard
Serrapeptase
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Southern Tsangshu
Solanum indicum
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Spiraea
Salmon Oil
Safed musli
Sambucus nigra
Sagebrush
Salvianolic acid
Shogaol
Stellaria dichotoma
Sandalwood
Spatholobus
Sinomenium acutum
Semecarpus anacardium
Stereospermum
saponins
Skunkvine
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Sumac
Scopoletin
Shataverins
Sulfated polysaccharide
Smilagenin
Sweet Bay
Sandy Everlasting
Shilajit
Stearidonic acid
Sword Bean
Sesamin
Stilbenoid
Terminalia
Terpenoids
Tea
Thymoquinone
Tillandsia
Tumerone
Tree of heaven
Taraxacin
Taxillus sutchuenensis
Troxerutin
Triterpenes
Taxillus chinensis
Tanshinone
Taraxasterol
Toadflax
Tulbaghia
Tagetes
Tamarind
Taraxol
Tremella
Uncaria
Ursolic Acid
Vine tea
Vitexicarpin
Vitexin
Veronica
Violet
Verbascoside
Viola
Withanolides
Wrightia tinctoria
Water Pepper
Willow
White Poplar
Wulinshen
Walnut
Willow Bracket
Xanthophyll
Xanthone
Yuzu
Yerba buena
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Zucchini
Zingiberene
Zingibain
Zingerone
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 Liquid Vitamin D3 & K2
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
