Muscle Pain In My Arm & Vitamin C

All your tissues, including those in your muscles, depend on vitamin C to grow and repair. If you do not get enough of this vitamin in your diet, you can experience a variety of adverse symptoms, including musculoskeletal pain. There is also some evidence indicating that supplementing with vitamin C can improve muscle pain in your arm associated with exercise.

Importance and Function of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means your body doesn't store it and you need to replace it each day. Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, which is a protein found in your cartilage, tendons and ligaments, as well as your skin and blood vessels; it keeps your muscles moving smoothly. This vitamin plays a role in immune function and acts as an antioxidant, helping to limit the harmful effects of free radicals that can damage your cells and potentially lead to chronic conditions like arthritis.

Symptoms of a Vitamin C Deficiency

While it' s rare to be seriously deficient in vitamin C, evidence suggests that many people may have low levels of vitamin C, notes the University of Maryland Medial Center. Smokers, people with bowel diseases and those who eat a nutritionally poor diet are at risk for a vitamin C deficiency. Additionally, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lower your levels of vitamin C. If you take NSAIDs regularly for osteoarthritis or muscle pain, you should ask your doctor if you should take a vitamin C supplement. The most common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include dry hair and skin, nosebleeds, a compromised immune system, decreased wound-healing rate and generalized muscle weakness and fatigue, as well as weakness in your connective tissues. Severe deficiency is known as scurvy, which can lead to bleeding in your joints.

Vitamin C Supplementation and Muscle Soreness

A small study published in the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" in June 2006 indicates that a combination of pre- and post-workout vitamin C supplementation may reduce muscle soreness associated with exercise. In the study, participants took either a placebo or 3 grams of vitamin C in supplement form each day for two weeks prior to performing 70 elbow extensions, then continued taking either the placebo or vitamin C supplements for four days after the exercise. Study results showed that vitamin C reduced muscle soreness, but had little effect on loss of muscle function.

Daily Intake

To keep your muscles and other bodily systems healthy, adult males need 90 milligrams of vitamin C daily and females need 75 milligrams. However, if you smoke or are at risk for a deficiency, you may need to consume to prevent symptoms of deficiency. Your doctor can help you determine how much vitamin C you need daily, as well as whether or not you need supplements. Good food sources of this vitamin include red peppers, oranges, kiwis, broccoli, cantaloupe, tomatoes and green peas.

Additional Considerations

If you experience any the symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency or have unexplained muscle pain, seek medical attention. Muscle pain is a common complaint and can result for a variety of reasons, such as overuse, cramping, consuming certain medications, a viral illness and other diseases and conditions. If your pain lasts longer than a week, or if you think it may be associated with a vitamin or other nutritionally deficiency, make an appointment with your health care provider.