ingestible · for tendinitis & tendon repair
Vitamin C-Enriched Gelatin (Pre-Exercise Timing)
Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026
How to use
Dissolve about 15 g of gelatin (or hydrolyzed collagen) plus roughly 50 mg of vitamin C in water or juice and drink it 30-60 minutes before your tendon-loading exercise session. The pre-exercise timing is the key variable - it puts amino acids in the bloodstream during the loading-induced synthesis window. Repeat before each rehab session; benefits build over weeks to months.
How it works
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, the enzymes that stabilize the collagen triple helix. Ingesting gelatin plus vitamin C an hour before loading floods the tendon with the raw materials and cofactor precisely when exercise signals collagen production, augmenting new collagen formation.
Where to buy
Grocery and health stores. Plain gelatin (Knox), hydrolyzed collagen (Great Lakes Wellness, Vital Proteins), plus any vitamin C supplement or a glass of orange juice as the vitamin C source.
Typical cost: $10-$20 per month
Safety notes
Safe for most people. High gelatin/collagen intake may cause mild bloating or a feeling of fullness. Vitamin C above 2000 mg/day can cause diarrhea and, in susceptible people, raise kidney-stone risk - the small dose used here is well below that. Gelatin is animal-derived (not vegan/vegetarian).
Drug & supplement interactions
- Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
- Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
- Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
- Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.
Clinical source
PubMed - Shaw et al. 2017This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.