How much vitamin C is too much? (2024)

FAQs

How much vitamin C is too much? ›

Serious side effects from too much vitamin C are very rare, because the body cannot store the vitamin. However, amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not recommended. Doses this high can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea, and rarely, kidney stones.

The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 90 mg a day for men. During pregnancy, 120 mg a day are recommended. The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day.

Taking too much vitamin C can cause side effects, including: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Heartburn. Stomach cramps or bloating.

Approximately 70%–90% of vitamin C is absorbed at moderate intakes of 30–180 mg/day. However, at doses above 1 g/day, absorption falls to less than 50% and absorbed, unmetabolized ascorbic acid is excreted in the urine [4].

Taking 1000 to 2000 mg per day can be safely tried by most people. Taking too much can cause stomach upset. People with kidney disease should NOT take vitamin C supplements. Large doses of vitamin C supplementation are not recommended during pregnancy.

Some studies suggest that adults should take 250 - 500 mg twice a day for any benefit. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis and before giving vitamin C to a child. Daily intake of dietary vitamin C (according to the National Academy of Sciences) is listed below.

The maximum recommended amount, or upper limit, is 2,000mg per day for all adults. Taking more than the upper limit for vitamin C isn't life-threatening, but you may experience side effects like: abdominal pain. cramps.

The evening is not the best time because vitamin C is acidic and can cause problems when consumed on an empty stomach, especially in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease – of course the dosage matters.

Vitamin C can be safe to take daily; however, it's helpful to know that you can meet your daily needs by eating vitamin C-rich foods. For instance, a half-cup of kiwi offers 134 mg of vitamin C, which provides 148% to 178% of recommended daily needs.

Although vitamin C deficiency is typically associated to body hair abnormalities [52], there are no data correlating vitamin C levels and hair loss.

What to avoid when taking vitamin C? ›

Vitamin C supplementation is contraindicated in blood disorders like thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease, and hemochromatosis. Avoid taking supplements immediately before or following angioplasty. Diabetic patients should take vitamin C supplements with care as it raises blood sugar levels.

For adults, the tolerable upper intake level (UL) — the highest daily intake likely to pose no risks — is 2,000 mg per day. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so any excess is usually excreted in the urine rather than stored in the body.

Vitamin C and Vitamin D are two essential nutrients that play important roles in the body and help to maintain overall health and wellness. You may be wondering, “Can I take Vitamin D and C together?” The answer is… Yes. In fact, when taken together, they're a powerful combo that can support the immune system.

Serious side effects from too much vitamin C are very rare, because the body cannot store the vitamin. However, amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not recommended. Doses this high can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea, and rarely, kidney stones.

The average dose of vitamin C for colds is anywhere from 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg. This is based on the dose range in the studies that looked at the safety and effectiveness of vitamin C for treating colds. These are high doses of vitamin C and above the recommended daily intake.

Although not fully proven, large doses of vitamin C may help reduce how long a cold lasts. Large doses of vitamin C do not protect against getting a cold. Vitamin C may also be helpful for those exposed to brief periods of severe or extreme physical activity. The likelihood of success may vary from person to person.

Vitamin C is touted for its many health benefits: It boosts immunity, improves heart health, bolsters iron absorption, and much more. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient needed for tissue growth, development, and repair. An antioxidant, it helps protect cells from free radicals—unstable molecules that damage cells.

The most important functions of vitamin C for the skin are: supporting the synthesis of collagen, which is essential for connective tissue such as skin. limiting the damaging effects of free radicals, which protect the skin from sun damage and aging.

The amount of time Vitamin C remains in your system depends on the factors listed above, but in general, it usually takes between 12 and 24 hours for it to be processed and excreted. This means that if you take a single dose of Vitamin C, its concentration in your body should begin to decline within 12-4 hours.

Water-soluble vitamins are not readily stored in your body, so you must consume them regularly to maintain healthy levels. Water-soluble nutrients can be taken with or without food and at any time of day.