1. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is only retained in the body for a maximum of 4 hours before it is either oxidised or excreted in the urine, so Vitamin C overdose is uncommon. Because of this short life in the body it is best to take Vitamin C in small, divided doses throughout the day (at 4 hourly intervals).
2. The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for Vitamin C is 45-60mg per day. This is the smallest amount needed to prevent a life threatening disease; in the case of Vitamin C this is Scurvy. This amount, however, is certainly not the optimal amount needed for good health, this is 300mg-500mg daily depending on diet and lifestyle.
3. Things that can increase the need for Vitamin C supplementation are poor diet, eating processed or stored foods, pollution, toxic substances especially nicotine (each cigarette smoked depletes the body of 25mg of Vitamin C), DDT, stress, antibiotics, sulfa drugs, cortisone, aspirin, The Contraceptive Pill. Under any of the above circumstances a more suitable dose would be 1000mg-2000mg daily.
4. If an acute infection or inflammatory condition is being experienced such as a cold, flu or hay fever, increase the dosage to 1000mg every hour for six doses then 1000mg every 4 hours until symptoms improve.
5. Vitamin C overdose is extremely rare. Vitamin C is very safe to take as if too much Vitamin C is taken any excess will be excreted in the urine or as acid diarrhoea. Bear in mind this will only happen with very large, frequent doses. If this does occur reduce the dosage to a level where diarrhoea is not experienced.
Extra Tip
Do not take high doses of Vitamin C if pregnant as this can condition the baby to a rich supply and could lead to an early development of Vitamin C deficiency. The maximum dosage should not be more than 250mg - 300mg per day plus eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
In summary the correct dosage of Vitamin C supplementation is as follows: -
300mg-500mg per day- Good diet/lifestyle
1000mg - 2000mg per day - Poor diet/lifestyle
1000mg every 4 hours - Acute infection/inflammation
250mg - 300mg per day - Pregnancy
Thank you for taking the time to read this information about the correct dosages for Vitamin C.
Here's to your good health.........naturally!
Here's to your good health.........naturally!
Nadine Masseron ND
Nadine Masseron ND DN MRN is a registered naturopathic physician and nutritionist. She is dedicated to increasing awareness about the benefits of natural health.
