Intentionally using bad Placebos is common in medical research.  Lactose pills are commonly given to lactose intolerate groups (I know HIV research does lactose pills for this reason). Sugar pills to diabetics might get caught, but often the placebo impact is typically ignored.  Using high dose vitamin C is pretty much going to have an immune system impact.  Particularly in fat or black patients that have diets poor in vegetables and fruits. This is being rigged to secure a need for expensive low liability emergency medicine payday.