Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
For the body system: Joints
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin C (in the form of sodium ascorbate) has scientific support for its role in supporting the joints, though the evidence is moderate rather than overwhelming. Vitamin C is essential for the biosynthesis of collagen, a primary structural protein found in joint cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen’s integrity is crucial for maintaining joint health and function. Deficiency in vitamin C leads to impaired collagen synthesis, which in severe cases manifests as scurvy, a disease characterized by joint pain and impaired wound healing.
Multiple studies have shown that adequate vitamin C intake contributes to overall joint health and may help slow the progression of osteoarthritis by supporting cartilage integrity and reducing oxidative stress. For example, vitamin C's antioxidant properties can help reduce free radical damage in joint tissues, which is implicated in degenerative joint diseases. Animal studies and some observational human studies suggest that higher vitamin C intake is associated with reduced risk of cartilage loss and progression of osteoarthritis. However, randomized controlled trials in humans are limited, and results are mixed—some show benefit, while others do not show a significant effect on joint pain or function.
In summary, there is a reasonable scientific rationale for using vitamin C to support joint health, particularly in the context of collagen synthesis and antioxidation, but direct evidence for clinical benefits in joint disorders is moderate. Thus, the evidence is rated as 3 out of 5.
Other ingredients that support Joints
alfalfaalgal oil
amino acids
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
black cumin
black currant
sesame
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
water
white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
capsicum
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
rubia cordifolia
chaff flower
peony
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
myrrh
juniper berries
solomon's seal
siler root
flowering quince
dioscorea
teasel
eucommia
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
yucca
barrenwort
wintergreen
camphor oil
coix
gentiana macrophylla
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
gravel root
bladderwrack
arnica
clematis
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Aralia
Animal Tissue
Antler
Avian Cartilage
Achyranthes
Anamu
Avocado
Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
Abuta
Amor seco
Animal protein
Bone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Biopeptide
Babchi
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bugbane
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
berry
Bogbean
Black Gram
Boswellia
Black Poplar
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bone Protein
Bee products
Bombax
Borage
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Bee venom
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Curculigo orchicides
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Crustaceans
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Capsaicin
Chuchuhuasi
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Cissus sicyoides
Chicken
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Chebulinic acid
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Elephant Vine
Egg
Elk antler
Emu Oil
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
European-Five Finger Grass
Escin
Eucommia ulmoides
Ecklonia
Figwort
Flavonoids
Fang-Feng
Fructoborate
Fish
Fatty acids
Flemingia philippinensis
Frankincense
Fir
Gnaphalium
Guaiac
Glycine
Garden Cress
Glycosaminoglycans
Guggulsterones
Golden Willow
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heartsease
Little ironweed
Shellfish
silica
Other body systems supported by Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Adrenal GlandsArteries
Blood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Eyes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Lymphatics
Mucus Membranes
Skin
Small Intestines
Teeth
Thymus
Tonsils
Urinary System