How Much Vitamin C Do You Really Need?
According to the Mayo Clinic, exceeding the recommended dosage of vitamin C could cause:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal bloating and cramps;
- heartburn;
- headache;
- kidney stones; and
- insomnia.
And that's not all. Too much vitamin C may cause the body to absorb too much iron – a condition that can lead to serious health problems. Researchers have found that excess vitamin C could interfere with the absorption and metabolism of vitamin B12, which is another essential nutrient.
With a doctor's guidance, limit vitamin C supplement intake if you take the following medications -- adverse side effects have been reported:
- acetaminophen;
- aluminum-based antacids;
- aspirin; and
- Warfarin.
A doctor can advise how to modify vitamin C intake, taking medications and diet into consideration.