Side Effects Of Large Doses Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient that our bodies need to function properly. It is found in many foods, such as oranges, kiwi, and strawberries, as well as in dietary supplements. While it is generally safe to consume vitamin C in moderate amounts, taking large doses can have negative side effects on your health. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the side effects of large doses of vitamin C.
What is a Large Dose of Vitamin C?
A large dose of vitamin C is generally considered to be anything over 2,000 milligrams per day. This is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which is around 75 to 90 milligrams for most adults.
Side Effects of Large Doses of Vitamin C
While vitamin C is generally safe to consume, taking large doses can have negative side effects on your health. Some of the most common side effects of taking large doses of vitamin C include:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Heartburn
- Flushed skin
If you are taking high doses of vitamin C and experience any of these symptoms, it's important to reduce your intake or stop taking it altogether.
Who Should Avoid Large Doses of Vitamin C?
While vitamin C is generally safe for most people, there are some individuals who should avoid taking large doses of it. These include:
- People with a history of kidney stones
- People with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones
- People with a history of iron overload disease
- People with a history of gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease
If you fall into any of these categories, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking large doses of vitamin C.
Can Large Doses of Vitamin C be Toxic?
While vitamin C is generally safe to consume, taking extremely large doses can be toxic. This is because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that any excess is excreted in the urine.
However, taking extremely high doses of vitamin C can overwhelm the body's ability to excrete it, leading to a buildup and potential toxicity. Symptoms of vitamin C toxicity include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Kidney stones
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to stop taking vitamin C and talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to function properly. While it is generally safe to consume in moderate amounts, taking large doses can have negative side effects on your health. If you are taking high doses of vitamin C, it's important to monitor your symptoms and reduce your intake if necessary. If you have any concerns, it's always best to talk to your doctor.