The contribution of vitamin C to healing of experimental fractures

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2001 Jul;121(7):426-8. doi: 10.1007/s004020100272.

Abstract

The benefits of various minerals and vitamins on fracture healing have been demonstrated in animal models. Vitamin C is an essential substance in fracture healing but has not been studied previously on an experimental basis. Sixteen rats were grouped randomly into control and vitamin C-supplemented groups. The right tibias of all rats were fractured by digital manipulation. One group received single high dose of vitamin C intramuscularly. On the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days, two rats from each group were killed and the tibias examined under light microscopy. It was seen that the vitamin C-supplemented group went through the stages of fracture healing faster compared with the control group.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Fracture Healing / drug effects*
  • Fractures, Bone / drug therapy*
  • Fractures, Bone / pathology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Ascorbic Acid