Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review:

Background:Recent investigations on the biochemical pathways after a musculoskeletal injury have suggested that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may be a viable supplement to enhance collagen synthesis and soft tissue healing.Purpose:To (1) summarize vitamin C treatment protocols; (2) report on the efficacy of vitamin C in accelerating healing after bone, tendon, and ligament injuries in vivo and in vitro; and (3) report on the efficacy of vitamin C as an antioxidant protecting against fibrosis and promoting collagen synthesis.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A systematic review was performed, with the inclusion criteria of animal and human studies on vitamin C supplementation after a musculoskeletal injury specific to collagen cross-linking, collagen synthesis, and biologic healing of the bone, ligament, and tendon.Results:The initial search yielded 286 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were included in the final analysis. Of the preclinical s...