Research synthesisModerate evidenceSmall effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial small-sized effects of vitamin C supplementation for reducing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with all findings statistically significant. The evidence is strongest and most consistent in surgical populations (total knee arthroplasty), where doses of 1 g daily for approximately 40 days were associated with reduced CRPS incidence (odds ratio 0.59 in one study). Effects were typically observed at around 40 days.
- Effective dose range: 1 g daily
- Studied populations: patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Most studies were in surgical populations, so benefit may not extend to non-surgical CRPS cases. The systematic review noted limited sample sizes in primary studies.
Generated Jun 11, 2026