Vitamin C may help protect the brain after traumatic injuries.

Ascorbate protects brain after TBI by epigenetic modulation of 5-hydroxymethylation

NIH-funded research Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp · NIH-11003661

This study is looking at whether Vitamin C can help protect the brain and improve recovery for people who have had a traumatic brain injury, by reducing damage and boosting brain function.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003661 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential of Vitamin C (ascorbate) to protect the brain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to understand how ascorbate can reduce secondary brain damage and improve motor and cognitive functions in individuals who have experienced TBI. By examining the epigenetic changes associated with ascorbate treatment, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that enhance cell survival in the brain after injury. Patients may benefit from this research if it leads to effective therapies for TBI recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic brain injuries that occurred long before the study or those with conditions unrelated to TBI may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic approach to prevent long-term neurological deficits in patients with traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with ascorbate treatment in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.