Vitamin c may boost pain tolerance, small study suggests
NCT ID NCT06971315
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed trial tested whether high-dose vitamin C can raise how much pressure people can detect or tolerate before feeling pain. Thirty-eight healthy adults took either vitamin C or a placebo over 24 hours. Researchers measured pain thresholds using a device that applies pressure. The goal is to find a safe, non-drug option for acute pain relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Vitamin C (dietary supplement)
- What this could lead to
- If vitamin C proves effective, it could offer a simple, low-cost option for managing acute pain without opioids or NSAIDs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial in healthy volunteers, not people in pain. Results may not apply to real-world acute pain, and high doses may cause side effects like stomach upset.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, H4J 1C5, Canada
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