Individuals who take vitamin C in supplement form are at greater risk of consuming too much of it and experiencing side effects, the most common of which are digestive symptoms. Excess vitamin C is excreted from the body as oxalate, a bodily waste product. Can you overdose on vitamin C? Since vitamin C increases iron absorption, consuming too much of it is a concern for individuals with conditions that lead to iron accumulation in the body. Taking vitamin C to help fight off a cold is also recommended by doctors. However, many supplements contain extremely high amounts of the vitamin, which can cause undesirable side effects in some cases. The effects of vitamin C toxicity can include the following: Renal colic (ie, nephrolithiasis) Diarrhea Nausea Rebound scurvy - In infants born to women taking high doses Hemolysis - If … Sodium ascorbate is recommended most by vitamin C experts, and it is commonly used in high dose intravenous (IV) infusions. Getting enough of this vitamin is especially important for maintaining a healthy immune system. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Treatment for an overdose of vitamin C (if necessary) will involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so it’s not stored within your body. For most people, an orange or a cup of strawberries, chopped red pepper, or broccoli provides enough vitamin C for the day. It can bind to non-heme iron, which is found in plant foods. The most common side effect of high vitamin C … It also plays an important role in wound healing, keeping your bones strong, and enhancing brain function (1). A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Is It Possible to Have a Vitamin C Overdose? Can vitamins help prevent a heart attack? The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans. Vitamin C is generally safe for most people. The most common digestive symptoms of excessive vitamin C intake are diarrhea and nausea. Accessed Dec. 12, 2017. Iron toxicity. Vitamin C binds with non-heme iron, making it much easier for your body to absorb. Vitamin C is a very important nutrient that’s abundant in many fruits and vegetables. Sleep Problems. Disorders related to the stomach are common symptoms caused due to overdose of this vitamin. Serious or ongoing symptoms could be due to a preexisting condition, however, and should be monitored by a medical professional. Too much vitamin C or zinc could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. This is because the body is able to regulate the amount of Vitamin D it receives via sun exposure. Ingesting more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day may lead to gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. If your diet is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, you are more likely to consume the proper amount of this vitamin. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Vitamin C . 7 Impressive Ways Vitamin C Benefits Your Body, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A decrease in copper and an increase in iron in the body. 7 The condition is usually caused by taking too many Vitamin D supplements, not by diet or sun exposure. Increased acid levels 2. Accessed Dec. 12, 2017. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent these potential side effects — simply avoid vitamin C supplements. An overdose of vitamin C during pregnancy can cause severe metabolic disorders in the fetus, which will ultimately affect the newborn. Excess intake of vitamin C also leads to excess absorption of iron, leading to a condition known as hemochromatosis. 7. That’s because if you overload your body with larger-than-normal doses of this vitamin, it will start to accumulate, potentially leading to overdose symptoms (3). Yes, it’s very possible to overdose on vitamin C. Usually, most of us assume that because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it’s safe to consume in large amounts as compared to other fat-soluble vitamins such as A and E. Just because vitamin C is safe to take in large amounts does not mean that you can have too much of it. Pu-erh Tea: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More. If you choose to take a vitamin C supplement, it is best to choose one that contains no more than 100% of your daily needs. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Vitamin C is among the best-known, most accessible antioxidants that have been touted to help prevent you from getting sick. You’re most likely to experience digestive symptoms if you consume more than 2,000 mg at once. In general, these side effects do not occur from eating foods that contain vitamin C, but rather from taking the vitamin in supplement form. That said, iron overload is highly unlikely if you don’t have a condition that increases iron absorption. What happens if I overdose on Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)? Since vitamin C is water-soluble and your body excretes excess amounts of it within a few hours after you consume it, it’s quite difficult to consume too much. Since your body does not store vitamin C or produce it on its own, it’s important to consume foods that are rich in vitamin C daily (1). As a result, it does not build up in your system and cases of vitamin C toxicity are rare. The most common physical symptoms of Vitamin C overdose are:. Abdominal cramps 3. Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for the body, but overuse of the substance can cause significant health issues. For instance, if an overdose caused diarrhea, then supportive treatment would include antidiarrheal medications. Applies to ascorbic acid: oral capsule, oral capsule extended release, oral liquid, oral powder, oral powder for solution, oral powder for suspension, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release, oral waferOther dosage forms: 1. intravenous solutionAlong with its needed effects, ascorbic acid (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin C) may cause some unwanted effects. Here are the symptoms of the Vitamin C overdose. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron, which is needed for red blood cell production. In contrast to fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins do not get stored within the body. However, supplementing with high amounts of vitamin C can lead to adverse effects, such as digestive distress and kidney stones. If you’re experiencing digestive problems as a result of taking too much vitamin C, simply cut back your supplement dose or avoid vitamin C supplements altogether (3, 4, 5). This content does not have an Arabic version. 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