What are the side effects of too much Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is certainly important in maintaining your health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble micronutrient that acts as a reducing agent, protecting the body’s tissues against oxidative stress. In the past, it was well-known in its prevention against scurvy. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties play a significant role in the prevention of certain cancers such as stomach cancer. It curative properties assist the body in conferring immunity against infections. The body also needs ascorbic acid to process iron. Vitamin C has been shown to inhibit cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure. It has also been shown that Vitamin C is useful in preventing cataracts. The best sources of Vitamin C come from eating your fruits and vegetables; 5 servings per day are recommended. When taken at the recommended dietary allowances, at 60 mg per individual, Vitamin C is the “miracle worker” of the human body.



When an individual is deficient in Vitamin C, certain physical problems can occur. Deficiencies in Vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums and bruising on your skin. You also don’t have that immunity against infections. You may also experience a longer period before a wound heals properly. Fatigue is another factor to consider when Vitamin C levels in your body are low.


All the positive outcomes by taking Vitamin C are well-documented; however, physiological problems do occur with over-ingestion of Vitamin C. While the harmful effects of this “miracle worker” have not been conclusively determined experimentally, certain side effects do manifest themselves when too much is ingested. To get the most out of Vitamin C, you should take enough of this micronutrient so that it saturates your tissues. This is when the body is optimally protected against oxidative damage. When your body receives much more than the recommended daily allowances of Vitamin C, it body can no longer absorb Vitamin C and treats the excess micronutrient as waste. This results in gastrointestinal stress. Diarrhea can occur. Stomach cramping, flatulence, and nausea are also common when unabsorbed Vitamin C passes through the intestines. Finally, some studies have shown that increased levels of Vitamin C can actually put you at risk for the development of kidney stones.