Excess vitamin C can cause uncomfortable or dangerous side effects, despite its health benefits. Overdosing is easy as it is present in many foods and supplements, and can cause indigestion, nausea, urinary problems, rashes, and diarrhea. It may also contribute to kidney stones, miscarriages, and kidney failure in those with high iron levels. Drinking water can help flush out excess vitamin C.
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a common dietary supplement that is also present in many foods. While a small dose of the substance is considered highly beneficial for overall health, excess vitamin C can cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. According to some health experts, healthy people can process approximately 1,000 mg of the vitamin daily, although they only require 60-90 mg for optimal health benefits. Taking too much vitamin C, even in the short term, can be dangerous to your health.
Overdosing on vitamin C is relatively easy, as the substance is common in both food and dietary supplements. Since some people believe that the vitamin helps reduce or prevent the common cold, people who are sick or fear catching a cold can take large doses of the vitamin through nutritional supplements. For a person who eats a lot of foods that contain ascorbic acid, such as citrus fruits or strawberries, even taking a daily multivitamin could push the intake of the vitamin to the limit.
The most common effects of too much vitamin C are relatively minor, though potentially uncomfortable. Indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea are fairly common indications of a minor overdose. People who take too much vitamin C may develop urinary problems, such as increased urgency or pungent-smelling urine. Studies have sometimes linked rashes in infants and young children to an overdose of ascorbic acid. Diarrhea is also a very common consequence.
Research on the most dangerous consequences of too much vitamin C is still ongoing, but links have been discovered in various studies on the subject. Excess vitamin C is thought to play a role in the development of kidney stones, although this link is not yet clearly understood. Some studies have shown that a high intake of vitamins may also be associated with first trimester miscarriages in some women.
In some studies, people who had excess iron in their bodies could be at risk of a life-threatening condition related to vitamin C intake. Although research has not yet been tested in this area, some studies suggest that given Because vitamin C increases iron absorption, it can create a dangerous overload in people who already have higher than normal iron levels. In some cases, this can lead to kidney failure.
In general, too much vitamin C will usually only cause temporary discomfort and have no long-term effects. For those suffering from symptoms that appear to be related to ascorbic acid, it is important to remember that the vitamin is highly soluble in water. Drinking a few glasses of water should help flush the vitamin out of the system quickly and help reduce symptoms.
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