Actively Recruiting
Effect of Vitamin C on Pain Reduction After an Emergency Department Visit
Led by Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal · Updated on 2026-03-02
204
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
221 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal
Lead Sponsor
H
Hopital de l'Enfant-Jesus
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures are among the most common reasons people visit the emergency department. These injuries often cause significant pain in the first few days, making it difficult to move, work, or sleep. Usual pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, but they are not safe or effective for everyone. Some people cannot take them because of heart, kidney, stomach, or liver problems. Others still experience strong pain despite treatment. Because of these limits, some patients receive opioids, which can cause side effects and carry a risk of dependence. Safer and more accessible options are needed. Vitamin C is widely known for supporting the immune system, but research suggests it may also help reduce pain and inflammation. Studies in surgical patients have shown that vitamin C can lower pain levels, reduce the need for opioids, and support healing. These effects may be linked to its antioxidant properties and its role in tissue repair. However, no study has tested whether vitamin C can help people with recent MSK injuries treated in the emergency department. The VICAMED study aims to answer this question. Adults arriving with an MSK injury that occurred within the past 48 hours can participate if they have at least moderate pain. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either vitamin C or a placebo. The first dose is given in the emergency department, followed by twice daily capsules for three days. Pain is measured using a simple 0-100 scale, recorded in an electronic or paper diary. A follow-up on day six helps the research team understand each participant's recovery, medication use, and overall experience. Vitamin C is inexpensive, widely available, and very safe at the doses used in this study. If it proves effective, it could offer a simple, low risk option to help patients manage pain after an MSK injury and reduce the need for opioids in emergency care.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effect of Vitamin C on Pain Reduction After an Emergency Department Visit
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Presenting to the emergency department with acute musculoskeletal pain lasting 48 hours or less
- Pain intensity of 4 or higher on a 0 to 10 scale at triage
- Assigned to ambulatory care in the emergency department
- Able to communicate in English or French
You will not qualify if you...
- Use of vitamin C supplements in the last week
- Active cancer diagnosis
- Use of opioids for any pain within 24 hours before recruitment
- Current treatment for chronic pain
- Unable to complete a pain diary or unavailable for follow-up
- Allergy to milk (due to lactose in placebo) or vitamin C
- Taking cyclosporine or warfarin medications
- Pre-existing oxalate nephropathy, liver cirrhosis, or hemochromatosis
- Hospitalized after clinician evaluation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
The Ottawa Hospital - General and Civic Campus
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1Y 1J8
Not Yet Recruiting
2
Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis
Lévis, Quebec, Canada, G6V 3Z1
Not Yet Recruiting
3
Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4J 1C5
Actively Recruiting
4
CHU de Québec - Université Laval
Québec, Quebec, Canada
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
M
Martin Marquis, MSc
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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