An overdose of ascorbic acid - all the nuances. The negative consequences of exceeding the norm of vitamin C - is the children's "Ascorbinka" so harmful? What can an overdose of vitamin C lead to?

Uncontrolled intake of vitamins, and especially sports vitamins (where the doses are overestimated and designed for professional athletes), can lead to their excess, and cause great damage to health. Malfunctions in the body, to which an excess of vitamins has led, is called hypervitaminosis in medicine.

There are usually two types of hypervitaminosis:

    acute, which is caused by single doses of excessive doses of a vitamin or vitamins. It has symptoms similar to poisoning.

    chronic, manifesting itself with long-term use of a certain vitamin, in volumes slightly higher than normal. Symptoms are less severe.

The main causes of hypervitaminosis are the use of drugs without observing the recommended norms, or a combination of an unbalanced menu rich in a certain vitamin and the additional use of vitamins.

Treatment of hypervitaminosis should be carried out under medical supervision. First of all, the use of preparations containing the corresponding vitamin is stopped, and nutrition is adjusted. In more severe cases of hypervitaminosis, measures are taken as in case of poisoning.

What vitamins are dangerous?

An excess of water-soluble vitamins is not so dangerous, as they are excreted in the urine from the body. Therefore, the appearance of side effects such as nausea, urticaria, diarrhea - can signal a huge overabundance of vitamins. These symptoms quickly disappear if you adjust the diet, or stop taking the drugs that caused hypervitaminosis.

Vitamin A hypervitaminosis

Manifestations of hypervitaminosis in adults: skin rashes, skin peeling, spurs, hair loss, lethargy and drowsiness, headaches and dizziness, poor appetite, weight loss. An excess of this vitamin leads to an increase in cholesterol, disrupts the functioning of the genitourinary system and kidneys.

Acute hypervitaminosis A in children is manifested in a sharp increase in intracranial pressure, protrusion of the fontanel, fever, vomiting and drowsiness.

Symptoms of chronic hypervitaminosis A in children are loss of appetite, impaired skin function, the appearance of seborrhea, hair loss, bleeding gums.

The treatment of hypervitaminosis A is the abolition of preparations containing retinol, while limiting the intake of food with a high content of it, especially dairy products, marine animals and fish.

Hypervitaminosis

Most often, hypervitaminosis manifests itself with excessive intake of vitamins B6, B5 and B9. Common symptoms of intoxication are headache, nausea, palpitations, insomnia and agitation.

Specific symptoms of an overdose:

    Q6: lack of coordination of movement, difficulty in movement, tingling in the legs, numbness of the hands.

    B5: dehydration of the body.

    B1: increased blood pressure, disruption of the liver, can provoke the development of atherosclerosis.

For children, hypervitaminosis B is dangerous for the development of an allergic reaction.

Elimination of symptoms of hypervitaminosis B: refuse to take drugs containing this group of vitamins, consult a doctor.

Vitamin C hypervitaminosis

Usually the excess is excreted by the kidneys. But long-term use of vitamin C in an amount above the norm leads to redness of the skin, a decrease in capillary permeability, visual impairment, dizziness and headache, anxiety, insomnia, impaired functioning of the kidneys and pancreas.

An excess of vitamin C provokes the appearance of urolithiasis, reduces blood clotting, increases pressure and leads to a metabolic failure.

Most treatments for vitamin C hypervitaminosis are symptomatic and supervised by a physician. The specialist will be able to assess the level of disorders caused by intoxication, prescribe tests, and prescribe drugs based on their results and necessity.

Vitamin D hypervitaminosis

Large doses are toxic to our body. Provoke: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches and joint pain, vasospasm, constipation and other digestive disorders are possible,

Prolonged overdose leads to the development of osteoporosis, and also contributes to the deposition of calcium in the walls of blood vessels, primarily the kidneys, heart and lungs.

Hypervitaminosis is very dangerous for children. Intoxication of the body, due to the intake of large doses of vitamin D, can provoke the development of chronic pyelonephritis, chronic renal failure, and this is already a disability.

Treatment of vitamin D hypervitaminosis includes the abolition of drugs containing this trace element, and insolation, the appointment of vitamins A, E, intravenous fluids in combination with diuretics. In severe cases, a short course of prednisolone is prescribed.

Vitamin E hypervitaminosis

Experiments have shown that overdose interferes with the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins such as D, A, and K.

Excess vitamin E is most often excreted from the body with bile. Long-term use of this vitamin leads to hypertriglyceridemia, increased blood pressure. Japanese researchers believe that excess vitamin E leads to osteoporosis.

Symptoms of vitamin E hypervitaminosis include headaches, fatigue, double vision, and diarrhea.

Treatment of vitamin E hypervitaminosis involves the abolition of drugs containing this vitamin, and the exclusion from the diet of foods high in its content, such as butter, liver, beef, dairy products, eggs, herring, legumes and cereals.

How long can you take vitamins?

Here, opinions differ, American nutritionists advise drinking multivitamin complexes on an ongoing basis, and European ones do not abuse synthetic vitamins, taking them as needed for several weeks with a mandatory break of 2-3 months.

As a prevention of hypovitaminosis in the winter-spring period, experts recommend taking vitamin complexes in 2-3 courses lasting 1-2 months during the year.

Long-term use of multivitamin complexes can be recommended for people with high intellectual and physical stress, workers in hazardous industries, people living in difficult climatic conditions. If the complex contains a large amount of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K, E), it is worth limiting the duration of such a course to 3 weeks.

Pivot table:

Briefly about the vitamin

How long can you take a vitamin

Symptoms of hypervitaminosis

How to treat hypervitaminosis

fat-soluble vitamin synthesized from plant carotenoids and animal retinoids. The norm for men is 900 mcg, for women -700 mcg.

No more than 3 consecutive weeks.

Skin disorders (rashes, peeling), spurs, hair loss, drowsiness, lethargy, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, weight loss.

Exclusion of drugs and products containing this vitamin.

A group of water-soluble vitamins responsible for the functioning of the nervous system, the production of hormones and the condition of the skin. The daily norm for an adult is in the range of 50-300 mcg.

It does not accumulate in the body, so you can drink constantly, without exceeding the daily allowance.

headache, palpitations, insomnia,

impaired coordination of movements,

Stopping the use of group B drugs.

A water-soluble vitamin necessary for the normal functioning of connective and bone tissue, an antioxidant and an immunostimulant.

The daily norm for an adult is 50-60 mg.

It is better to use foods rich in this vitamin, and use the finished complex as a prophylaxis in courses of 1-2 months 2-3 times a year.

Redness of the skin, blurred vision, dizziness and headaches, anxiety, insomnia, delayed menstruation in women, the formation of kidney stones,

increase in blood pressure.

Exclusion of foods and preparations containing vitamin C.

A fat-soluble vitamin, the "sunshine vitamin". The daily norm for children is 400 IU, for an adult - 600 IU.

For children under 3 years of age, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to take 1 drop of Aquadetrim daily from October to May. For adults - it is recommended to use in the autumn-winter period, when the body is especially experiencing a shortage of sunlight.

Weakness,

loss of appetite,

headache,

joint pain,

abdominal cramps, indigestion,

nausea and vomiting.

Cancellation of vitamin D and insolation, the appointment of vitamins A, E, intravenous fluid in combination with diuretics. In severe cases, a short course of prednisolone is prescribed.

Fat soluble vitamin. Daily rate: 10 - 20 mg.

Accepted courses no more than 1 month. It is not recommended to take synthetic drugs without a doctor's prescription.

Headache,

fatigue,

disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, double vision.

Stop using preparations containing the vitamin.

Style Outcome

An excess of vitamins has a negative effect on our body. The use of vitamin complexes should be agreed with the doctor so that you do not have to deal with the treatment of hypervitaminosis.

Be attentive to your health and well-being. Do not get carried away with synthetic drugs, it is better to eat more foods rich in natural vitamins.

Overdose of vitamins can be dangerous to varying degrees and depends on whether a particular vitamin is water-soluble or fat-soluble, as well as on the dose and individual metabolic characteristics.

Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and most B vitamins, can cause health problems in very large doses, but they are generally not particularly toxic because they are easily eliminated by the body.

Vitamin A overdose causes neurological problems and visual impairment, while vitamin E poisoning causes nausea and diarrhea. An overdose of vitamin D can quickly upset the body's calcium balance and even cause an irregular heartbeat.

The mechanism that causes the symptoms of a vitamin overdose varies, but it usually involves a systemic disruption of the body's normal metabolism. Toxic events are more likely to occur when fat-soluble vitamins, such as A and E, are used in excess, rather than water-soluble ones, such as vitamin C, in part because the former accumulate in the body and their effects add up.

Vitamin C in excess of 5000-10000 milligrams - depending on the individual's metabolism - causes a laxative effect and can lead to certain gastrointestinal problems.

Vitamin B overdose

Symptoms of a vitamin overdose due to the toxicity of most B vitamins are rare and usually mild.

Vitamin A overdose

Symptoms of a vitamin A overdose begin with blurred vision and neurological complaints such as seizures. During the immediate occurrence of toxic events, the patient may be suddenly struck by migraine symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light.

Children suffering from hypervitaminosis A may, over time, experience a premature cessation of bone formation (closure of the epiphyseal growth plate), which prevents them from growing properly. Chronic symptoms of vitamin overdose due to prolonged accumulation of vitamin A include skin disorders and hair loss.

Normal calcium metabolism depends on the intake or production of vitamin D. In excessive amounts, this vitamin can cause serious symptoms of a vitamin overdose, including abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood and abnormal heart rhythms. Since calcium balance is an important part of the regulation of the electrical activity of the heart, if an overdose of vitamin D increases the level of calcium in the blood, the heart may be disturbed.

Vitamin D is normally produced by the body when exposed to sunlight or certain foods. None of these methods of obtaining this vitamin carries the danger of overdose. As far as supplementation is concerned, doses not exceeding 2,000 IU per day for adults and 1,000 IU for children are considered safe for overdose.

Vitamin E overdose

Vitamin E is responsible for the normal structure of red blood cells and contributes to nerve function, however, when its concentration reaches toxic levels, these tissues are most damaged. Patients with an overdose of vitamin E have symptoms of acute poisoning, including gastrointestinal upset due to spasms and diarrhea, and double vision.

An overdose of vitamins is easily treated, and therefore, at the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

An overdose of vitamin C is rare, but it can deliver a lot of discomfort to a person. Many people take such a substance uncontrollably, considering it safe. However, an excess amount of vitamin adversely affects the state of the body. How to determine an overdose?

The benefits and harms of vitamin

Vitamin C is an essential element in the human body. Unfortunately, it is not produced independently, but only comes from the outside with food and drink. The element has many beneficial effects on organs and systems.

Actions:

  • Takes part in collagen synthesis, carbon metabolism,
  • Necessary for normal blood formation
  • Promotes normal blood clotting
  • Reduces inflammation, promotes rapid recovery,
  • Essential for gums, teeth, bones,
  • Reduces the risk of developing allergic reactions,
  • Helps relieve stress
  • Favorably affects the immune system,
  • Essential for the absorption of other vitamins.

A lack of vitamin C leads to disruption of many body systems. In the presence of bad habits, a person is diagnosed with a minimum level of an element, therefore, an increased dosage is allowed.

However, in some cases, vitamin C can bring harm and negative consequences. When is an element dangerous?

Occasions:

  1. The presence of a cataract
  2. High blood pressure,
  3. Diabetes,
  4. Tendency to form blood clots
  5. kidney disease,
  6. salt diet.

In these situations, an excess of vitamin C can harm. Women during pregnancy are recommended to take the element after consultation with a specialist in order to avoid fetal rejection.

Vitamin C per day

What dosage of vitamin C is considered normal in adults and children? How much element is necessary for the normal functioning of the body?

On average, up to 80 mg of the substance is allowed per day for adults and up to 40 mg for children. The maximum value should not exceed 90 mg per day. However, the amount of vitamin is allowed to change in some special cases.

During pregnancy, it is allowed to consume up to 100 mg of the substance per day, and during lactation - up to 120 mg. The dosage depends on many factors - ecology, bad habits, place of work, age, gender.

Vitamin C supplements should be taken with meals. The dosage should be changed gradually, the therapeutic amount in some cases can reach 1500 mg. Maximum - intramuscular injection of 10 ml in the form of a solution.

Reception for a couple of days once more than 30 g of a substance can lead to a serious overdose and death.

When is an overdose possible?

Why is it possible to develop an overdose? What can provoke intoxication and cause discomfort? In most cases, an excess of vitamin C does not cause much harm, however, if there are some factors, an overdose and negative symptoms cannot be ruled out.

Factors:

  1. Lack of control when taking ascorbic acid, especially in children,
  2. The simultaneous use of products with a high content of the element and vitamin complexes,
  3. Single dose overdose.

With a systematic intake of more than one gram per day, the appearance of hypervitaminosis and overdose is not excluded.

Symptoms of an overabundance of vitamin C

What are the symptoms of excess vitamin C in the body? How is an overdose of an element characterized? With prolonged use of an increased dosage in adults, various changes in the functioning of the body are diagnosed.

Signs:

  • Pain in the head
  • High blood pressure,
  • Unpleasant sensations in the kidneys,
  • Irritation of the urinary tract mucosa, manifested by signs of cystitis,
  • Allergic rashes on the skin,
  • The presence of sugar in the urine, elevated levels,
  • Gastritis hyperacid form,
  • Stomach upset,
  • strong vomiting,
  • Sleep disturbance,
  • Heartburn,
  • visual impairment,
  • Nervousness, irritability,
  • Increased fatigue, weakness, apathy.

With an overdose of such a substance in the body, the presence of various disorders of the functioning of organs and systems is noted. Stones may form in the kidneys and gallbladder, and malfunctions of the cardiac system occur.

With prolonged use of an increased dosage, the development of irreversible changes in the functioning of the kidneys, adrenal glands, and pancreas is not excluded. If there are signs of an overdose of vitamin C, you need to contact a medical institution.

Methods and methods of treatment of overdose

How is an overdose of ascorbic acid treated? The victim needs to be given more water to drink. Vitamin C is highly soluble, so when you consume a liquid, its concentration will decrease and the excess will be excreted by the kidneys.

When taking a large amount of a substance at a time and diagnosing an overdose, it is required to provide the victim with first aid.

  • Gastric lavage is carried out with a large volume of water,
  • The victim of an overdose is given activated charcoal, it will help to quickly remove toxic substances.
  • It is recommended that the patient, in case of an overdose, give more water to drink, such an action will speed up the process of removing excess elements.

The method of further treatment of an overdose after first aid is chosen by a medical professional. In case of mild poisoning, therapy at home is allowed, a severe degree requires careful treatment in a medical institution. The actions carried out in the hospital are aimed at reducing the level of the vitamin in the body and improving the functioning of internal organs.

Consequences and prevention

Vitamin C poisoning is rare, but can have quite serious consequences and complications. What can cause such an overdose?

Complications:

  • Diabetes,
  • Diseases of the stomach and intestines,
  • Weakness in the body
  • Diseases of the heart and blood vessels,
  • Lack of other vitamins and minerals
  • Pathological processes in the pancreas,
  • Atrophic processes in the adrenal glands.


Irritation, a feeling of sand in the eyes, redness are only minor inconveniences with impaired vision. Scientists have proven that vision loss in 92% of cases ends in blindness.

Crystal Eyes is the best remedy for restoring vision at any age.

Despite the fact that ascorbic acid is considered safe, you should not abuse it. Preventive measures will help to avoid overdose and unpleasant consequences.

Measures:

  1. Do not take more than the prescribed dosage
  2. Keep vitamin C out of the reach of children, monitor the number of tablets eaten,
  3. Do not self-medicate.

How to get rid of excess vitamin C

Vitamin C dissolves well in water, so the easiest way to reduce the level of the element in the body is to drink plenty of fluids. The excess is excreted by the kidneys.

An overdose of vitamin C in a mild degree does not cause much harm to the human body, but in some cases it can lead to unpleasant symptoms. If you have any suspicious signs, it is recommended to contact a medical institution.

How to take vitamin C correctly - video

The norm is up to 90 mg for an adult and up to 30 mg for a child per day.. This is usually written in the prescription for the drug.

In practical terms, this means that:

  • breastfeeding infants do not require additional intake of the substance;
  • daily dose of children under 3 years old - 15 mg;
  • 25 mg will be enough for preschoolers;
  • will be most effectively protected against colds at 45 mg per day;
  • female adolescents - 65 mg, male - 75 mg;
  • The norm for an adult woman is 75 mg. (during lactation + 10 mg, + 30 mg);
  • the norm is 90 mg.

Smokers can safely increase their dose of ascorbic acid by 35 mg each day.

Also increased need for vitamin C during exercise(+30 mg). Do not forget that the daily dose includes not only the drug itself, but also all the ascorbic acid that is available to the body. Diet is the key to this.

Its role in the body

Vitamin C affects:

  • protection against free radicals;
  • the course of the lion's share of biochemical processes (synthesis of hemoglobin, collagen, etc.);
  • digestibility,;
  • the course of many diseases and special conditions (ulcers, infectious diseases, neurodermatitis, increased physical activity, lactation in women, etc.).

With its catastrophic deficiency, a person becomes ill with scurvy.. An overdose of vitamin C as a reverse state is also unpleasant, and even dangerous. A fatal outcome is a one-time intake of 30 g of the substance (without its removal, which is possible only with a complete violation of the kidneys).

Excess: symptoms and signs

When taking large amounts of vitamin C orally for a long period of time a person may notice the following overdose symptoms:

  • dizziness;
  • digestive problems: heartburn, nausea and vomiting;
  • sleep problems;
  • fatigue;
  • skin itching, rash;
  • in women - violation of the menstrual cycle.

With special attention to their condition and diet during the regular intake of ascorbic acid, people who suffer from kidney diseases should also be treated.

Consequences of overdosing

Since ascorbic acid affects the formation of hemoglobin and is excreted by the kidneys, then due to the excess of its concentration may occur:

  • various failures in the functioning of the kidneys and pancreas;
  • gastritis and ulcer (while taking aspirin);
  • allergic reactions;
  • nervous excitability (possible delayed effect for months or even years);
  • complications with thrombophlebitis;
  • the threat of miscarriage during pregnancy;
  • increase in blood pressure.

What threatens children?

Psychologists, who have been studying nervous reactions in childhood and adolescence for a long time, argue that "shock" doses of ascorbic acid consumed from early childhood, in addition to benefits for immunity can harm the nervous system.

For this reason, you should refrain from pampering children, limiting consumption to 30 mg. What should be taken into account are both tablets and the products that the offspring eats.

For example, in the summer, during the collection of blackcurrants or when taking rosehip decoctions, pharmacological ascorbic acid should not be consumed at all.

How to treat it?

What to do with an overdose of ascorbic acid? Excess substance is excreted from the body on its own through additional stress on the kidneys.

For a healthy body, it will be enough just to observe the drinking regime (drinking at least three liters of warm water per day) and eat a balanced diet.

If possible, exclude from the diet foods that have an increased concentration of vitamin C. These include rose hips, black currants, sweet peppers, dill, etc. People with kidney disease should immediately contact their doctor and report their symptoms.

Generally, Overdose of vitamin C is a common occurrence, for most people it goes unnoticed and without symptoms.. But experts say that the abuse of sweet balls can not only aggravate existing diseases, but also affect human health in later life.

Useful video

Watch a helpful video about an overdose of this vitamin:

Ascorbic acid or acetylsalicylic acid, familiar and beloved since childhood, is vitamin C, which today has many release options: in the form of dragees, chewable or effervescent soluble tablets, lozenges, etc.

We have become so accustomed to the idea that vitamins in general, and especially vitamin C, do not pose any danger and bring only benefits to the body, that we nonchalantly take “ascorbic acid” for any reason: for colds, headaches, to help the body after suffering diseases, surgeries and injuries. The vast majority of our compatriots prescribe vitamin C for themselves on their own, without consulting a doctor - often just going to the pharmacy for another drug, they also buy ascorbic acid (it is always close to the cash register). Vitamin C is stored in home first-aid kits completely uncontrollably - they say, well, no troubles can be expected from him. Moreover, it is these vitamins that are often given to play "in the hospital" to preschoolers, believing that if they eat a few extra pieces, then this is only good.

How Vitamin C Works

Indeed, vitamin C is an extremely useful "helper" of a person:

  • it is a powerful antioxidant that protects against cancer;
  • it is a coenzyme necessary for the normal course of many biochemical processes: carbohydrate metabolism, redox reactions in cells, production of steroid hormones, collagen synthesis;
  • it slows down the aging process and allows the skin to retain its elasticity and firmness for a long time;
  • promotes healing of skin lesions,
  • prevents the development of inflammation, has an antimicrobial and antiviral effect;
  • it is a necessary component of immunity;
  • this is a condition for the absence of problems with the musculoskeletal tissue: vitamin C significantly strengthens it;
  • improves the condition of dentin - the material of which our teeth consist (vitamin C is the best prevention of caries);
  • regulates capillary permeability and blood clotting;
  • helps us feel content and happy, prevents depression, as it promotes the production of hormones and neurotransmitters that are responsible for this;
  • also contributes to the synthesis of the hormone norepinephrine, without which creativity and non-standard thinking are impossible, and which also prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease, a dangerous disease that destroys brain cells and destroys intelligence and memory.

It would seem - an ideal substance with a truly universal action. However, not everything is so simple: with an overdose of ascorbic acid, the consequences are very unpleasant.

Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin C

Symptoms of an overdose of ascorbic acid affect the entire body:

  • headache (severe migraine), frequent dizziness,
  • a feeling of fatigue, weakness and weakness,
  • allergic rashes,
  • heartburn and spasmodic pain in the abdomen,
  • nausea and persistent vomiting
  • indigestion and diarrhea
  • decreased vision.

As you can see, overdose of ascorbic acid gives extremely unpleasant symptoms. However, they can be even more serious - in children and expectant mothers.

Overdose of ascorbic acid in a child

In children, it is characterized by the same manifestations, which can also be exacerbated:

  • severe itching from the rash
  • excessive excitability,
  • increased reactivity of the nervous system:
    • capriciousness
    • tearfulness
    • unexplained aggression.
  • babies with hypersensitivity may develop diabetes mellitus.

Hypervitaminosis during pregnancy

During pregnancy, an overdose of vitamin C has an extremely adverse effect on the condition and development of the unborn child. Hypervitaminosis during pregnancy disrupts the baby's metabolism and can even cause the loss of a child (miscarriage).

In addition, an overdose of vitamin C blocks the absorption of B-group vitamins (including B12, which is extremely necessary for the expectant mother and baby), as well as microelements such as selenium and copper.

A newborn baby may have vitamin deficiency symptoms as a result.

Symptoms of excess ascorbic acid in pregnant women are, first of all, spastic pain in the stomach and vomiting, as well as a significant deterioration in general well-being. If you feel like this, you should definitely consult a doctor and review your diet, and stop taking synthetic vitamins.

Who needs to be careful when taking vitamins?

Besides pregnant women and young children, who else is at risk and who is more at risk of vitamin C overdose than the rest?

  • patients with diabetes,
  • people with kidney disease
  • on a salt diet
  • patients with hypertension
  • prone to thrombus formation
  • patients with cataracts (eye disease).

But for those who drink alcohol and have a habit of smoking, ascorbic acid, on the contrary, is needed in an increased dose, since their body does not have a vitamin "depot" - the necessary supply of vitamin C, which is normally available to all healthy people. At the same time, hypervitaminosis does not threaten them, since all the vitamins entering the body are immediately spent to support its forces in the fight against toxins.

Sources of Vitamin C

Where does vitamin C come from in the body? It can come in the form of synthetic vitamins, or it can come from food. Our body does not know how to produce this vitamin on its own, but this is not required - there is a lot of it in the vegetables and fruits that we eat. As the vitamin content decreases, the list of foods that supply us with vitamin C looks like this:

  • dry, as well as fresh rose hips,
  • sea ​​​​buckthorn,
  • Bulgarian red and green peppers,
  • Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and red cabbage, broccoli,
  • black currant,
  • dill and parsley,
  • garden strawberry,
  • kiwi,
  • oranges, grapefruits, lemons and tangerines,
  • spinach.

It is important to know this for those who take vitamin C: if your diet is already rich in ascorbic acid, additional fortification is useless, otherwise an excess of this substance will appear in the body. Keep in mind that some foods contain enough vitamin C to cover the full daily requirement for it: for example, just 1 orange, a handful of blackcurrants or a cup of strawberries, or 1 bell pepper is enough for this.

What causes an overdose?

An overdose of vitamin C can be one-time or daily. In principle, this vitamin is water-soluble and is therefore excreted from the body very quickly in the urine, and small excess doses of the vitamin are not dangerous for this reason. For a significant overdose, as a result of which the body will be harmed, it is necessary:

  • constant consumption of foods containing vitamin C, in quantities significantly exceeding the needs of the body,
  • combined intake of vitamins in large doses and a diet supersaturated with ascorbic acid,
  • a one-time intake of a very large dose of vitamins, which the body simply cannot and does not have time to cope with (for example, this happens with young children who eat the entire package, thinking that they are sweets, because of their pleasant sweet and sour taste).

What happens to the body with an overdose of vitamin C?

What are the consequences of uncontrolled intake of vitamins and self-medication? If the process took a long time, that is, the effect was chronic, negative changes occur in the body, leading to the emergence of a number of diseases:

  • adrenal atrophy;
  • the formation of stones in the kidneys and gallbladder due to an excess of oxalic acid and the formation of its salts;
  • violation of the normal activity of the pancreas;
  • diseases of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract (ulcers and gastritis).

There are also conditions such as:

  • chronic allergic reactions
  • deficiency of B-group vitamins due to blocking their absorption,
  • decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood and deterioration in blood coagulation,
  • menstrual irregularities,
  • increase in pressure.

How to help with an overdose of vitamin C?

If you find symptoms of hypervitaminosis in yourself or your child, you must:

  • stop taking synthetic vitamins in any form and in any doses,
  • drink plenty of fluids to remove the vitamin from the body,
  • it is also necessary to consume liquid and high-calorie meals,
  • consult with your doctor, including about the preparation of a competent, balanced diet.

If there was a single overdose of a large amount of vitamin, you should immediately:

  • (by taking salted water and pressing on the root of the tongue), and rinse the stomach;
  • take (Polysorb, or at least activated charcoal) to neutralize, bind and remove excess vitamin from the body;
  • during the first days, take plenty of fluids to increase urination and remove the substance through the kidneys.

Prevention of vitamin C overdose

As preventive measures against the occurrence of hypervitaminosis or poisoning, it is necessary to remember:

  • Only adults can give vitamins to children. Do not rely on the fact that "the child is almost an adult and understands everything": even if he is not 2 years old, but 5 - it is not a fact that he will follow all your instructions;
  • After an illness or during the cold season in autumn and winter, do not prescribe the drug yourself, especially for pregnant women.
  • If vitamins are prescribed by a doctor, strictly follow the dosage and carefully read the instructions for using the drug.
  • Do not be guided by the principle of "more of everything." When choosing your vitamin dishes, remember that it is better when everything is balanced.

Strictly follow the doctor's instructions and common sense, and then vitamin C will have an exceptionally beneficial effect on your body, as it should be.

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