Insights into vitamin C in musculoskeletal physiology and disorders: mechanisms and translational perspectives
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Vitamin C (VC) is an essential micronutrient involved in diverse biological processes, including redox homeostasis, energy metabolism, collagen synthesis, epigenetic regulation, and immune modulation. Increasing evidence indicates that VC plays important roles in the musculoskeletal system, which is essential for structural support, locomotion, and systemic metabolic homeostasis. This review provides an integrated overview of current evidence regarding the roles of VC in musculoskeletal physiology and disorders, with a focus on muscle development and regeneration, bone formation and remodeling, and tendon–bone repair. We further discuss the potential involvement of VC in major musculoskeletal disorders (including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcopenia) and summarize the interactions between VC supplementation and exercise in musculoskeletal health. By integrating findings from cellular, animal, and human studies, this review highlights that current evidence remains strongest at the mechanistic and preclinical levels, whereas direct clinical evidence and translational validation remain limited. These insights may help guide future experimental studies, more rigorous clinical trials, and the development of VC-based strategies for musculoskeletal health.