The side effects of vitamin C you may encounter

No one can deny the role of vitamin C in everyone’s health. However, in fact, this vitamin also has certain side effects. In the article below, let’s take a look at Solife with side effects of vitamin C as well as how to use them for better results

1. The side effects of vitamin C you may encounter

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy skin, bones, teeth, cartilage and protecting body cells. According to recommendations, the body should only consume a maximum of 2000mg of this vitamin per day. For children only need to supplement about 400 – 1200mg / day depending on age.

Although it is a very good vitamin, vitamin C also has certain side effects, which can be mentioned as:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting continuously.
• Heartburn.
• Tired.
• Headache.
• Drowsiness.
• Diarrhea.
• Insomnia.
• Rash, redness.
• Hives.

These are the most common side effects of vitamin C . n case these symptoms appear, it is necessary to immediately go to the nearest medical facility for timely diagnosis and treatment. Stop using vitamin C completely in the following cases:

• Rapid weight loss, pain, stomach cramps.
• Chills, fever, convulsions.
• Feeling of need to urinate, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine.
• Severe pain in the hips and lower back.

Some cases of overusing vitamin C or using high doses of vitamin C for a long time can cause dangerous side effects such as:

• Esophagitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Kidney stones
• Absorb excess iron.
• Damaged tooth enamel.

In addition to the side effects when taking vitamin C above, this vitamin also interacts with:

• Aluminum: Taking vitamin C can increase the body’s ability to absorb aluminum from aluminum-containing medicines, such as phosphate binders.
• Chemotherapy: Vitamin C contains antioxidants. This can reduce the effectiveness of cancer drugs.
• Estrogen: Taking vitamin C at the same time as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can increase estrogen levels in the body.
• Protease inhibitors: Vitamin C may decrease the effectiveness of this common antiviral drug.
• Warfarin: High doses of vitamin C can cause the body’s interactions with some anticoagulant medications.

Read more: 

• What does vitamin C do? How to use and the notes
• What is the most effective way to supplement vitamin C?

2. Things to do when using vitamin C

From the side effects of vitamin C above, users need to be very careful in the process of using them. Failure to do so can lead to dangerous effects on general health.

In the process of supplementing vitamin C, keep a few things in mind:

• First: Use the correct dose of vitamin C according to the manufacturer’s instructions or follow the doctor’s prescription. Absolutely do not arbitrarily increase or decrease the dosage according to the recommendations that have been given.
• Second: Supplement vitamin C regularly every day, do not arbitrarily stop using vitamin C suddenly, instead reduce the dose gradually and then stop completely. This should be done under the supervision of a specialist.
• Third: You should only supplement vitamin C continuously for about 3-6 months, then stop using it for a while so that the body can absorb maximum nutrients. Vitamin C should not be used for a long time, continuously.
• Fourth: Pay attention to supplement vitamin C from foods, in case of using vitamin C supplements, you should drink a lot of water to be able to dissolve faster. Combine with a healthy diet and exercise to improve overall health.

• Fifth: In case of forgetting to take vitamin C, take it promptly afterwards. If it is too close to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose. Absolutely do not arbitrarily double the dose in case of missed dose.
• Sixth: When performing any test, it is necessary to notify the medical staff. Due to the fact that vitamin C levels are too high in the body can possibly affect the overall test results.
• Seventh: In case of side effects of vitamin C, please stop using and go to the nearest medical facility to be overcome.

3. Things not to do when taking vitamin C

Here are the things not to do to minimize the side effects of vitamin C on the body:

• DO NOT arbitrarily increase / decrease the dose, stop using vitamin C suddenly without a doctor’s prescription.
• DO NOT use vitamin C if you are allergic to the ingredients in that vitamin C supplement.
• DO NOT give vitamin C supplements to patients with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones. For patients undergoing treatment, pregnant or lactating women, it is best to consult a doctor.

• DO NOT smoke, drink alcohol, eat unhealthy… in the process of supplementing vitamin C to bring the best effect.

Above is a list of side effects of Vitamin C and useful tips that Solife wants to send to readers. Use vitamin C for the right purpose, in the right dose to bring the best effect to the body.

Read more: Is it okay to take Collagen and Vitamin C at the same time?

Trần Hoàng Uyên

Trần Hoàng Uyên (Senior Manager Pharmaceutical company) là chuyên gia cấp cao với nhiều năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực dược phẩm. Tốt nghiệp cử nhân chuyên ngành Quản lý dược I tại Trường Đại học Y dược TP. Hồ Chí Minh và hiện đang công tác tại công ty dược phẩm. Với hơn 10 năm kinh nghiệm làm việc trong ngành dược, chị Hoàng Uyên là chuyên gia cộng tác tham vấn y khoa cho danh mục blog cũng như các nội dung liên quan trên Solife. (Tran Hoang Uyen (Senior Manager Pharmaceutical company) is a senior specialist with many years of experience in the Pharmaceutical field. She graduated Bachelor of Pharmacy Management I at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City and is currently working for a pharmaceutical company. With more than 10 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, Ms. Hoang Uyen is a medical consultant collaborator for content on Solife's website.)