Last reviewed · How we verify
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as a reducing agent and cofactor for enzymatic reactions, supporting collagen synthesis, immune function, and antioxidant defense.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as a reducing agent and cofactor for enzymatic reactions, supporting collagen synthesis, immune function, and antioxidant defense. Used for Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), Wound healing support in surgical patients, Nutritional supplementation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ascorbic acid, ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Antioxidant option 1, Ascorbic acid |
| Sponsor | United States Army Institute of Surgical Research |
| Drug class | Vitamin / micronutrient |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Nutritional supplementation / Wound healing |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient that serves as a cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes required for collagen cross-linking and stability. It also functions as a potent antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and regenerating other antioxidants like vitamin E. Additionally, it supports immune cell function and wound healing processes.
Approved indications
- Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
- Wound healing support in surgical patients
- Nutritional supplementation
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Kidney stone formation (at high doses)
- Oxalate accumulation
Key clinical trials
- Toddler Biomarker of Nutrition Study (NA)
- The Physiological Responses and Adaptation of Brown Adipose Tissue to Chronic Treatment With Beta3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists (PHASE1)
- Regenerative Potentials of Mature Mandibular Molars With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis Enhanced With Different Scaffolds (NA)
- Urine and Ultrasound Screening for Kidney Disease in Children (NA)
- The Body's Affect on Vitamin C (PHASE1)
- A Phase 2 Study Adding Ascorbate to Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for NSCLC (PHASE2)
- Vitamin C for Acute Kidney Injury in ACLF With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial (NA)
- Effects of L-arginine and Liposomial Vitamin C on Severe Copd Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation. (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Vitamin C CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Vitamin C updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research portfolio CI