Study Links Long-Term, High-Dose Ascorbic Acid Intake to Increased Severity of Osteoarthritis in Animals.

Researchers Caution Against Vitamin C Supplements Exceeding Current Recommended Dietary Allowance for Joint Health.

Found naturally in citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables, ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a vital nutrient.

Rich in antioxidant properties, Vitamin C prevents scurvy and may help ward off a host of diseases, from the common cold to cancer.

What's more, this inexpensive, universally available nutrient has been shown to play a role in the health of cartilage?the material that allows joints to function smoothly.

Consequently, researchers have begun to explore the potential of Vitamin C in the treatment of cartilage-destructive diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA).

For a copy of a paper and author information, please contact
Abigail N. Reilly at 201-748-8844 or by email at
areilly@wiley.com.

The full text of this paper will be available online
Thursday, June 3, 2004 via Wiley InterScience.
http://www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/arthritis