Effect Of Excess Vitamin C In The Body
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that helps the body function properly. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is between 75 and 90 milligrams.
What Happens When You Consume Too Much Vitamin C?
While vitamin C is beneficial for the body, consuming too much can have negative effects. When you consume excess vitamin C, your body cannot store it and the excess is excreted through urine. However, consuming too much can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea, nausea, and cramps.
How Does Excess Vitamin C Affect the Skin?
Vitamin C is known for its skin benefits, such as reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production. However, excess vitamin C can have negative effects on the skin. Consuming too much can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even hives.
Can Excess Vitamin C Affect Your Kidneys?
While vitamin C is excreted through urine, consuming too much can put a strain on your kidneys. This is because excess vitamin C can increase the levels of oxalate in the body, which can lead to kidney stones.
How Does Excess Vitamin C Affect Iron Absorption?
Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption in the body. However, consuming too much can have the opposite effect. It can actually inhibit the absorption of iron, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
What Are the Symptoms of Excess Vitamin C?
In addition to digestive issues, skin irritation, kidney problems, and iron absorption issues, excess vitamin C can also cause headaches, fatigue, and insomnia.
How Much Vitamin C is Too Much?
The tolerable upper intake level for vitamin C is 2,000 milligrams per day. Consuming more than this amount can cause negative effects on the body.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the body, but it is important to consume it in moderation. Excess vitamin C can cause negative effects on the body, including digestive issues, skin irritation, kidney problems, iron absorption issues, and other symptoms. Be sure to consume vitamin C as part of a balanced diet and not in excess.