Vitamin C
Alternative Names
Ascorbic acidSide Effects
Vitamin C toxicity is very rare, because the body cannot store the vitamin. However, amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not recommended because such high doses can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.
Too little vitamin C can lead to signs and symptoms of deficiency, including:
- Dry and splitting hair
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Bleeding gums
- Rough, dry, scaly skin
- Decreased wound-healing rate
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Weakened tooth enamel
- Swollen and painful joints
- Anemia
- Decreased ability to fight infection
- Possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism
A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, which mainly affects older, malnourished adults.
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