Impact of vitamin C on the reduction of opioid consumption for acute musculoskeletal pain: A double-blind randomized control pilot study
2024

Vitamin C and Opioid Use Reduction in Pain Management

Sample size: 55 publication 10 minutes Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Raoul Daoust, Jean Paquet, David Williamson, Vérilibe Huard, Caroline Arbour, Jeffrey J. Perry, Marcel Émond, Simon Berthelot, Patrick Archambault, Dominique Rouleau, Judy Morris, Alexis Cournoyer

Primary Institution: Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Université de Montréal

Hypothesis

Does vitamin C reduce opioid consumption in patients with acute musculoskeletal pain?

Conclusion

The study suggests that vitamin C may help reduce opioid consumption in patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries.

Supporting Evidence

  • Vitamin C has been shown to have analgesic properties.
  • Previous studies indicated vitamin C can reduce opioid consumption post-surgery.
  • Participants completed a diary to track pain and medication use.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether giving vitamin C can help people use less pain medicine after hurting themselves. It seems like it might help!

Methodology

A double-blind randomized controlled trial with two groups: one receiving vitamin C and the other a placebo, over a 14-day period.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to high refusal and loss to follow-up rates.

Limitations

The study was not powered to detect differences in clinical outcomes, and the sample size was smaller than planned.

Participant Demographics

Mean age was 53 years, with 55% men.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0316450

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