Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen formation, and it also functions as an antioxidant, boosting the immune system. Although you need to consume vitamin C every day, too much can be toxic. The tolerable upper limit is the maximum amount of a vitamin you can take each day without experiencing any ill effects. According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the tolerable upper limit for vitamin C is 2,000 mg per day, or 2 g. Anything above this amount could be considered as an overdose. Common side effects of vitamin C overdose involve the digestive tract. If you consume more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C, you may develop severe gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea. In addition to significant discomfort, extended episodes of diarrhea or vomiting can lead to dehydration, causing extreme thirst, fatigue, low urine output and reduced blood pressure. Diarrhea and vomiting can also cause additional mineral imbalances in the body.
Vitamin C is broken down by the body into a substance called oxalate. Some oxalate is secreted in urine, however high urinary oxalate levels may cause formation of deposits, known as kidney stones. High vitamin C intake is associated with an increased risk of oxalate kidney stones -- accounting for approximately 80 percent of all kidney stones. Hemochromatosis is a condition caused by excess iron build-up in the body. This condition is commonly inherited, and most often affects the liver, heart and pancreas. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Although vitamin C overdose does not cause hemochromatosis, it can worsen the condition. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week The Toxicity Level for Vitamin C Disadvantages of Vitamin C Mechanisms of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
How Much Vitamin C is used for Constipation? What Are the Health Benefits of Sodium Ascorbate? What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C Powder? Symptoms of Vitamin C Toxicity Excessive Vitamin C in Early Pregnancy Can You Overdose on Vitamin C Tablets? Vitamin C for Chronic Inflammation What Are The Effects of Eating Too Much Vitamin C? Why Is Time-Released Vitamin C Better? Can Vitamin Supplements Make You Feel Tired? Can Too Much Vitamin C Cause Headaches? Can Kids Overdose on Vitamin C? Does Vitamin C Make You Urinate? Foods That Help Healing After Knee Surgery Ways to Absorb Vitamin C Does Emergen-C Help With Acne?Appointments at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Is it possible to take too much vitamin C? Answers from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient. Still, it's possible to have too much vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that supports normal growth and development. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron. Because your body doesn't produce or store vitamin C, it's important to include vitamin C in your diet. For most people, a large orange or a cup of strawberries, chopped red pepper or broccoli provide enough vitamin C for the day. Any extra vitamin C will simply be flushed out of your body in your urine. For adults, the recommended dietary reference intake for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements may cause: Abdominal bloating and cramps Remember, for most people, a healthy diet provides an adequate amount of vitamin C. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Vitamin C and moodVitamin D and MS: Any connection? Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed Dec. 29, 2014.
Pazirandeh S, et al. Overview of water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. See more Expert Answers Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic Diet OnlineThe Mayo Clinic CookbookMayo Clinic on Alzheimer's DiseaseControlling High Blood PressureMayo Clinic on Digestive Health Other Topics in Patient Care & Health Info Diseases and Conditions A-Z Tests and Procedures A-Z Drugs and Supplements A-Z Patient and Visitor GuideVitamin C is a nutrient also known as ascorbic acid.Historically, doctors prescribed vitamin C (or vitamin C-rich foods) to treat scurvy, a medical condition caused by extremely low levels of ascorbic acid.Today, doctors may prescribe ascorbic acid to make the urine more acidic or to treat methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the blood can't carry enough oxygen.
Vitamin C plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissue in all parts of your body. The nutrient has been shown to:Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it can help block the damaging effects of free radicals, which the body makes as it breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation. Free radicals have long been associated with the aging process, and they have been shown to play a role in the development of cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.Some studies suggest that vitamin C may be an effective remedy for the common cold.In general, people who take vitamin C supplements may have slightly shorter periods of cold symptoms, or somewhat milder symptoms.However, taking a vitamin C supplement after a cold starts does not appear to have as positive an effect. Indeed, research indicates that vitamin C supplements or vitamin C-rich foods do nothing to reduce your risk of getting the common cold.Vitamin C is sometimes used as a skin-care product.It may have regenerative effects on skin wrinkles, texture, strength, and evenness of tone, allegedly due to its properties as an antioxidant.
Available vitamin C products on the skin care market vary by their pH (acidity) and formulation, ranging from serums and creams to powders.Some suntan lotions or oils also include vitamin C as an ingredient, in part due to its benefits for skin health.Various anecdotal reports have linked vitamin C use with miscarriage as well as self-induced abortion (termination of pregnancy).These reports, however, have not been substantiated by medical research, and attempts to use vitamin C to intentionally terminate a pregnancy may be dangerous.As the body can not make or store vitamin C, it’s important to have a diet of foods rich in vitamin C, such as:• Cantaloupe • Citrus fruits and juices • Kiwi • Mango • Papaya • Pineapple • Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries • Watermelon • Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower • Green/red peppers • Spinach, cabbage, turnip greens, and other leafy greens • Sweet/white potatoes • Tomatoes/tomato juice • Winter squashAll fruits and vegetables contain some vitamin C
, but those listed contain the most. Cereals and other foods and beverages are often fortified with vitamin C, meaning vitamin C has been added to the ingredients.Uncooked or raw fruits and vegetables provide the best food sources of vitamin C.Cooking vitamin C-rich foods or storing them for a long period of time can reduce their vitamin C content. Microwaving and steaming vitamin C-rich foods may reduce some of these losses. Vitamin C deficiency can cause symptoms such as:• Anemia • Bleeding gums/nosebleeds • Decreased ability to fight infection and wound-healing • Dry, splitting hair • Rough, dry, scaly skin • Bruising • Inflammation of the gums • Weakened tooth enamel • Weight gain • Swollen and painful jointsA severe form of vitamin C deficiency known as scurvy mainly affects older, malnourished adults.You should not take vitamin C if:High doses of vitamin C increase the risk of a rare condition known as hyperoxaluria.