FCS Home

Home
About Us
Contact
Success Stories
NEA News

Fact Sheets
Recipe Corner
Ask The Specialist
Educational Tools
Links
Search


Community Nutrition Education Programs

Ask The Specialist

I know some vitamins and minerals have toxicity levels.  What is the toxicity level for vitamin C and the specific side effects?

Many people mistakenly believe that vitamin C is not toxic and that it is beneficial to health when supplemented in large amounts.  Although vitamin C is generally low in toxicity, adverse effects have been reported when taken in very large doses.  Research indicates that gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea are the most common adverse effects attributable to high vitamin C intakes. Other possible adverse effects may include kidney stone formation, excess iron absorption, reduced vitamin B12 and copper levels, increased oxidative damage, and erosion of tooth enamel.  

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects in almost all healthy individuals.  The UL  for vitamin C is based on intake from diet and supplements.  There is no benefit to consuming such high amounts and the UL is not intended to be a recommended level of intake.  Different upper levels are set for different stages of the lifecycle and individuals are advised not to consume more than the UL.  The following are Tolerable Upper Intake Levels set for Vitamin C:

UL for Infants:
Not possible to establish; To prevent high levels of intake, the only source of vitamin c intake should be that available from breastmilk, formula, and food.
UL for Children: 

1-3 years:    400 mg/day
4-8 years:    650 mg/day
9-13 years: 1200 mg/day
UL for Adolescents:
14-18 years: 1800 mg/day
UL for Adults:
19 years and older: 2000 mg/day
UL for Pregnancy:
14-18 years: 1800 mg/day
19 years and older: 2000 mg/day
UL for Lactation:
14-18 years: 1800 mg/day
19 years and older: 2000 mg/day

Note: These levels do not apply to individuals who are receiving vitamin C under medical supervision. 

Reference:
Dietary reference intakes for vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids.  National Academy Press(2000). http://www.nap.edu/catalog/9810.html


Ask A Question