Is It OK to Take Vitamin C Every Day? Daily Recommended Limits

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an important micronutrient that belongs to the water-soluble group of vitamins that includes folate and other B vitamins. 

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which means that it protects cells and tissues from free radical damage. It also helps synthesize important substances, such as collagen protein, in the body.

Daily upper limits for vitamin C include that which is obtained from all sources—food, beverages, and supplements. Experts recommend that most of your vitamin C needs should be met through your diet.

Your upper limit of vitamin C may vary depending whether you have any underlying conditions. For example, if you have chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, a history of kidney stones, or gout, you must not take more than 1000 mg of vitamin C per day. 

If you are pregnant, you should also avoid Vitamin C supplementation in large doses because it can cause vitamin C deficiency in the baby after delivery.

Your daily vitamin needs vary depending on your age, gender, and overall health. For example, exposure to secondhand smoke may increase your vitamin C requirements.

Vitamin C supplements should be used with caution if you are taking certain medications such as lipid-lowering drugs (niacin and statins) or certain medications used for Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin C can also interfere with cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiation therapy).

Excessive vitamin C intake can lead to the following side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Fatigue
• Heartburn

If you have hemochromatosis, excessive vitamin C intake can worsen the condition and lead to organ damage.

Vitamin C is present in various fruits and vegetables, including:

• Citrus fruits
• Peppers
• Kiwi
• Watermelon
• Grapefruit
• Papaya
• Tomatoes
• Pineapple
• Berries
• Leafy greens
• Brussel sprouts
• Potatoes

Vitamin C plays an important role in various functions of the body:

• Maintains healthy bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums
• Promotes immune system health
• Protects cells and tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals
• Helps wound healing
• Helps absorb iron from the gut
• Helps produce neurotransmitters in the brain and nerves
• Helps the adrenal glands produce crucial hormones
• Keeps the skin healthy
• Helps generate energy in the body by contributing to the formation of carnitine (a compound that helps release energy from fats)
• Maintains heart and blood vessel health
• Promotes brain health
• Helps maintain eye health

Signs that you may not be getting enough vitamin C include the following:

• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale appearance
• Hair loss
• Delayed wound healing
• Easy bruising
• Loosening or falling teeth
• Frequent infections

Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms such as gum bleeding, loss of teeth, and increased skin bruising are caused by a decreased synthesis of collagen, which is the result of a lack of Vitamin C.

Conditions that may increase the risk of vitamin C deficiency include:

• Diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Alcohol consumption
• Active or secondhand or passive smoking
• Drug abuse