Too much vitamin C
Taking too much vitamin C is rare, as it's a water-soluble vitamin. This means the vitamin dissolves in water, and any excess is not absorbed by the body as is the case with fat-soluble vitamins. Consequently, the body excretes the excess vitamin through urine. However, taking too much vitamin C for a long period of time can put a strain on the kidneys.
Symptoms of too much vitamin C
Several symptoms can occur with a prolonged excess of more than 2000 mg of vitamin C per day. Again, this only occurs in exceptional cases. The most common symptoms of too much vitamin C are:
- Suffering from nausea
- Suffering from diarrhea
- If you have a predisposition to kidney stones, you are more likely to develop kidney stones
- A deficiency of the G6PD enzyme can lead to a blood disorder. It is therefore advisable to avoid high doses of vitamin C.
Causes of too much vitamin C
Besides the various symptoms of too much of the nutrient, the cause is solely related to long-term intake of too much vitamin C. This involves using a supplement in combination with a diet rich in vitamin C.
How much vitamin C per day?
To avoid consuming too much vitamin C per day, it's important not to exceed the recommended daily intake of this nutrient. The maximum daily intake of vitamin C is 2000 mg. This intake is achieved through a combination of diet and supplements. Because 85% of the Dutch population doesn't consume enough fruits and vegetables, a deficiency is much more common than a surplus.
