Vitamin C dosage, defficiency and overdose

Yesterday we discussed the importance of Vitamin C in skin care. Today we discuss Vitamin C dosage, overdose, and possible deficiencies.

Dosage of Vitamin C

The intake of Vitamin C in proper quantity is important. Although it is thought to be harmless, either vitamin C overdose or vitamin C deficiency may cause adverse effects in your body. The tolerance for Vitamin C varies in individuals. It must be stressed that a slight Vitamin C overdose is more wasteful than harmful because the body keeps excreting it regularly from the body. When Vitamin C is taken in high doses (more than 2,000 mg daily) then it is considered a Vitamin C overdose. Vitamin C overdose of may lead to diarrhea, lip swelling, and in very extreme cases difficulty in breathing. The benefits of Vitamin C can only be observed when it is taken in its proper quantity.

For adults, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for ascorbic acid is 50-60 mg per day. RDA of 35 mg per day is recommended for infants while RDA for children is 40-45 mg per day. Patients undergoing dialysis also need nearly 500 mg of Vitamin C daily. The intake of Vitamin C must be increased during pregnancy and lactation, or if you smoke extensively to prevent Vitamin C deficiency. The RDA amounts for adults are considered minimum amounts for a healthy body. Amounts in excess of this (but below 1,000mg) are not known to cause harmful side-effects.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency may range from mild to severe. Mild deficiency is indicated by the symptoms such as nose bleeding, weakness, swollen gums and lassitude. Vitamin C deficiency over a long period of time can lead to various infections, male infertility, birth defects, slower wound-healing, joint and muscle aches, and a rash on the legs. Symptoms of severe Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which shows symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, hair loss, gum bleeding, joint pain, and bruising. Scurvy is usually found in people who are deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables for a long period of time. Research and surveys have found that Vitamin C deficiency in the diet is directly associated with an increased risk of stroke and many other cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin C deficiency can be prevented through proper and balanced intake of ascorbic acid in the diet. Scurvy can be treated by large doses of ascorbic acid and other synthetic supplements such as tablets, syrups, chewable tablets, and extended-release capsules rich in vitamin C. Medicines may also be taken directly through injections. Vitamin C deficiency can be treated by taking medications such as C-500-GR, Cecon, C-Gr, and Redoxon. The dosage of ascorbic acid to treat Vitamin C deficiency varies from infants to adults. Adults should be treated with A300-1,000 mg of ascorbic acid per day, whereas 50 mg per day of ascorbic acid is enough for infants.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Overdose

Although Vitamin C is non-toxic, Vitamin C overdose can hinder metabolic activities in the body and can reduce the levels of copper and essential nutrients in the body. Vitamin C overdose causes stomachaches, gas, and diarrhea with many side effects such as stomach cramps and nausea. Vitamin C overdose can cause an increased risk of developing kidney stones because it increases the absorption of iron. Vitamin C overdose should always be avoided and must be avoided especially by people with iron overload diseases such as Hemochromatosis. Such patients should avoid intake of Vitamin C because it increases the accumulation of non-heme iron.