Does Too Much Vitamin C Cause Side Effects?

While vitamin C is an essential nutrient for good health, consuming very large amounts in supplement form can cause side effects. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin C is 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so excess amounts are typically excreted through urine.

Consuming too much vitamin C may lead to the following side effects:

- Nausea

- Diarrhea

- Abdominal pain

- Headaches

- Insomnia

- Kidney stones (high doses of vitamin C may increase the risk of kidney stone formation in people who are prone to them)

- Increased iron absorption (may be a concern for people with hemochromatosis, a condition in which the body stores too much iron)

- Skin rashes

- Flushing

- Fatigue

If you are experiencing any of these side effects, you should reduce your intake of vitamin C or stop taking supplements altogether. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 75 to 120 mg for women and 90 to 120 mg for men. This amount can be easily obtained through a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.

HIV Weight Loss and What to About What a Complete Blood Count (CBC) for Aplastic Anemia?