Vitamin C

mmurren

Hi , I just read there that our RDA for Vitamin C is 60mg but when I looked at the vitamin C I am using, its 500mg per tab and I've started taking 1 a day, does this mean that I am taking in too much Vitamin C?

Sitric

Nope, it means you're pissing out a lot of vitamin C

If you smoke, it's no bad thing to increase your daily intake.

sudzs

Sitric wrote: »

Nope, it means you're pissing out a lot of vitamin C

If you smoke, it's no bad thing to increase your daily intake.

And if you drink...

greine

Many of the RDAs are based on the minimum amount of vitamins and minerals required to prevent disease from a deficiency, such as scurvy in the case of vitamin C. RDAs are never the optimum levels required by the body as these differ from person to person. Supplements differ too, while a some may claim to have 500mg, how much you actually absorb depends on your own biochemistry as well as the bioavailability of vitamin C in that form. Vitamin C taken at very high doses can cause loose stools which is a good indication that you are taking too much, but this does not happen normally in adults taking less than 3000mg. If you need more info there are professionals out there who could point you in the right direction. Also, no vitamin works alone so make sure you eat a balanced diet and take other antioxidants such as A and E which enhance the efficacy of vitamin C.

Sitric

I'd agree with you that people's requirements vary and people who exercise a lot in particular might need 200-300mg/day but 3000mg/day is just a waste of money.