"Excess of anything is bad." This includes Vitamin C. This vitamin is recommended for a supplement in nearly every doctor's office, TV ad, and print ad. However, going beyond the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) can cause severe problems with a persons health. Most believe the body will only use what they need and eliminate the rest. This is not always the case. A Vitamin C overdoes hinders the metabolic activities throughout the entire body.
The RDA is broken down into two separate categories:
Vitamin
Women Men
Non Smoking Smoking Non Smoking Smoking
110 mg 75 mg 125 mg 90 mg
Anything over 200 mg is more than enough to maximize the levels of plasma and lymphocytes. There are times when a body does require additional amounts of Vitamin C. For example, if you are under any type of environmental stress such as a trauma, fever, or any kind of infection. Anything over 500 mg, even with any of the above mentioned environmental factors, will reach any person's maximum saturation rate. Vitamin C is a water - soluble protein and in normal conditions, anything in excess is excreted by the body. When it is not excreted it will cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps at the very least. Other effects can be severe cramps, nausea, and risks for kidney stones.
Major overdoses reduce the bodies level of copper, an essential nutrient. If a person already has an iron abundance disorder, even small doses of Vitamin C can cause severe health risks as Vitamin C increases iron absorption into the system. In Pregnant women it can actually cause infants to develop rebound scurvy when born. Elder people also need to be very cautious with the amount of Vitamin C they take, as they are more prone to develop a toxicity level in the kidneys, resulting in very serious medical issues. The same results of interference with functioning of certain medications are true with patients who have diabetes or high blood pressure.
There is limited research linking Vitamin C overdoes over long periods of time that will lend a patient to be at a higher risk for cancer.
If you believe you may be taking an overdoes amount of Vitamin C, the first must is to contact your medical professional. Never stop taking anything "cold turkey" including Vitamin C, as it may bring on another whole set of issues in the body. The good news is that is is nearly impossible to overdose on Vitamin C from the foods that you eat. So before deciding to take Vitamin supplements, ask yourself and your doctor - Do I really need the extra Vitamin C supplement? Your medical profession will be able to assist you in making the correct decision with you.
Vitamin C Overdose - Is it Possible?
Bright blessings,
Ashira
http://www.ashira.ws
ashira@ashira.ws
Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at http://Asknow.com
The Witches' Child Author
Bacon Bits Author
FFWA Member
Cassel Network of Writers Member