Vitamin C overdose

Using vitamin C products beyond the recommended limits can cause stomach upsets and diarrhea. Although the body would only use the vitamin that it needs, overdose of vitamin C can hinder the metabolic activities of the body.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C in nonsmoking adults is 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. For smokers, the RDAs are 110 mg per day for women and 125 mg per day for men. A dose of 200 milligrams daily is nearly sufficient to maximize plasma and lymphocyte levels.

Higher levels of vitamin C are needed when under environmental stress, such as trauma, fever, or infection. Full saturation is achieved with daily intakes of 200-500 mg per day (in 2-3 divided doses). This is a water soluble protein, and any excess is excreted by the body. Overdose of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, gas, or an upset stomach. Other side effects could be stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea, and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Large amounts of vitamin C reduce the body’s levels of copper, an essential nutrient. People with iron overload diseases should avoid overdosing on vitamin C, as it increases iron absorption. People who have kidney stones should take special medical advice. If a pregnant mother takes 6,000 mg of vitamin C, the baby may develop rebound scurvy due to a sudden drop in daily intake. Patients with hemochromatosis should not take vitamin C because of the increased accumulation of nonheme iron in the presence of this vitamin.