Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and cofactor that is involved in the 
regulation of development, function, and maintenance of several cell types in 
the body. Deficiencies in vitamin C can lead to conditions such as scurvy, 
which, among other ailments, causes gingivia, bone pain, and impaired wound 
healing. This review examines the functional importance of vitamin C as it 
relates to the development and maintenance of bone tissues. Analysis of several 
epidemiological studies and genetic mouse models regarding the effect of vitamin 
C shows a positive effect on bone health. Overall, vitamin C exerts a positive 
effect on trabecular bone formation by influencing expression of bone matrix 
genes in osteoblasts. Recent studies on the molecular pathway for vitamin C 
actions that include direct effects of vitamin C on transcriptional regulation 
of target genes by influencing the activity of transcription factors and by 
epigenetic modification of key genes involved in skeletal development and 
maintenance are discussed. With an understanding of mechanisms involved in the 
uptake and metabolism of vitamin C and knowledge of precise molecular pathways 
for vitamin C actions in bone cells, it is possible that novel therapeutic 
strategies can be developed or existing therapies can be modified for the 
treatment of osteoporotic fractures.