Ascorbic acid, contained in maximum quantities in citrus, kiwi and cabbage, is very useful for the body, especially during the weakening of immunity and various infectious or viral diseases. An overdose of vitamin C is a rare occurrence, but can cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to some negative consequences.
Is an overdose of vitamin C possible?
In fact, the phenomenon under consideration is never found in medical practice. Ascorbic acid is not produced in our body, so you can get it only from the outside. It is absorbed by the human body solely at the doses that it needs. Any excess amount of vitamin C is excreted unchanged through the kidneys along with the urine.
Some people are simply unresponsive to ascorbic acid or are allergic to this substance. In such cases, obvious symptoms appear, such as skin rashes and diathesis, but these signs do not mean that the body has an overdose of vitamin C, but indicates an increased sensitivity to it.
Large doses of vitamin C
As you know, ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant, preventing the formation of malignant tumors and premature aging, cell death. Therefore, in the therapeutic practice is often used treatment of large doses of vitamins. The daily maximum dose of ascorbic acid is 100 mg per day, for athletes and pregnant women, as well as people whose work is associated with the constant performance of heavy physical labor, this amount increases. The established value of the substance is capable of the following effects:
- strengthening of the vascular walls;
- support the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal glands;
- neutralization, binding and removal from the body of toxic substances, nitrates, poisons, carcinogens;
- antioxidant effect;
- restoration of liver tissue;
- activation of the pancreas.
Thus, even a large amount of ascorbic acid does not cause any complications. Any problems associated with the property to interact with other vitamins. So, an overdose of vitamin C leads to excretion in urine not only of its surplus, but also of an important vitamin B12. This fact causes a number of serious diseases.
Overdose of vitamin C - consequences
A significant and constant excess of the prescribed dosage of ascorbic acid with the simultaneous removal of vitamin B12 from the body leads to such complications:
- Kidney stones . First, the so-called sand is formed in the ureter, but with increasing solids they can block the urinary tract, causing severe pain and trouble urinating.
- Increased glucose (sugar) concentration in the blood or hyperglycemia. The fact is that vitamin C reduces the production of insulin in the pancreas. Because of this, the absorption of glucose in tissues deteriorates, and it accumulates in the blood. This disease manifests itself as a constant feeling of lack of fluid, dry skin, lips and mucous membranes, redness of the face.
- Excessive production of estrogens. For this reason, taking oral contraceptives may not be effective.
Vitamin C - contraindications
It is not recommended to take ascorbic acid with increased sensitivity to the vitamin in question. With great care and only after consulting a doctor, you need to use the remedy for the following diseases:
- hyperoxaluria;
- hemochromatosis;
- diabetes mellitus ;
- nephrolithiasis;
- thalassemia;
- oxalose.