By Clare LouisePosted on October 29, 2022 Vitamin C supplements have been around in the market for a long time. It is known for its health benefits that has been studied countlessly and proven to be beneficial for humans. Vitamin C is usually made into supplements such as chewable tablets. This form of supplement has made it become the tastiest and convenient way to have it. As much as it is promising for anyone to take it especially in children, it also poses some degree of harm when taken in excess. Before probing further on what vitamin C 1000 mg does to the body, here is some quick information on vitamin C. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is grouped into the water-soluble vitamins, which means a vitamin that is easily eliminated from the body through the urine. This translates to the fact that vitamin C is unable to be stored in the body and the need of taking vitamin C on a daily basis is emphasised. Examples of food high in vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, kiwifruit, blackcurrants, lemon, tomatoes, broccoli and kale. There are many health benefits you can get from taking vitamin C. Such health benefits are help to boost the body immune system, to help a person get a healthier skin, a mean slowing down ageing diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or cataract and a healthy musculoskeletal system (body system comprises of bones, muscle and supportive structures). Vitamin C has also been proved to help prevent heart diseases and certain cancers such as lung or breast cancer. The recommended value of vitamin C for adults is approximately 70 mg of vitamin C and it is said that an adult needs at least 40 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis. If a person takes more than 2000 mg, the dose is considered too high for a human. Thus, when a person takes 1000 mg of vitamin C, it is already considered more than what is needed by the body. Taking vitamin C in such amounts can lead a person to experience side effects. Common side effects are stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea and flatulence. Generally, the side effect of overdosing on vitamin C is usually not life-threatening and is rare. However, long-term such overdose can lead a person to face severe diarrhoea or formation of kidney stones that could sustain kidney injury. Although side effects of vitamin C seem to be harmless and can be avoided when taken accordingly, this is not the case for everyone. Vitamin C supplements may interact with cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy in those with existing cancers. Supplements of the vitamin C may need to be taken seriously for those with blood disorders such as thalassemia or haemochromatosis as the supplement may cause iron overload. Iron overload can lead a person to possible organ damages such as the pancreas, liver, heart and joints. People on statin medications, for example: atorvastatin, simvastatin, should be careful when taking vitamin C in high dose as it could affect the drug’s effectiveness. Vitamin C, just as any other nutrients or supplements, when taken in excess does pose a bad effect to the body. It is necessary to take supplements as directed by healthcare professionals or as instructed on the product’s label. Taking supplements should not be mistaken as a food replacement to get nutrients. Eating a balanced meal is still the mainstay for getting enough nutrients needed by the body to function well. Consider supplements when you are sure that you are unable to get sufficient nutrients from food or drinks or having trouble fulfilling those needs. Health
