An overdose of vitamin C occurs in some people as they don't know how much vitamin C is too much and how much actually is required by our body? In pregnant women, an overdose of vitamin C may trigger miscarriage. Take a look at article to get information about the needed amounts and also the effects of excess amounts of vitamin C in pregnancy.

For normal growth and development, body requires a regular supply of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which has so many health benefits due to its anti-oxidant property. Also, it is necessary for normal growth and development. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in performing enzymatic reactions, including several collagen synthesis reactions that cause the most severe symptoms of scurvy when they are dysfunctional. Deficiency of vitamins can lead to certain health hazards but intake of right amount of is necessary. Overdose of vitamins can also cause several adverse effects on the body.

In very small amounts, vitamin C has several important functions in the body such as improving immunity and prevents flu. However, too much vitamin C can cause dangerous side effects in place of benefits. Vitamin C is found mostly in fruits and vegetables. The body does not manufacture vitamin C and cannot store the vitamin so vitamin C toxicity is very rare. But, amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not suggested as such high doses can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

Daily requirement of vitamin C:

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following amounts of vitamin C:

For Infants and Children:

• 0 - 6 months: 40 milligrams/day (mg/day)
• 7 - 12 months: 50 mg/day
• 1 - 3 years: 15 mg/day
• 4 - 8 years: 25 mg/day
• 9 - 13 years: 45 mg/day

For Adolescents:

• Girls 14 - 18 years: 65 mg/day
• Boys 14 - 18 years: 75 mg/day

For Adults:

• Men age 19 and older: 90 mg/day
• Women age 19 year and older: 75 mg/day

For pregnant women:

• Pregnancy 18 years and younger: 80 mg/day
• Pregnancy 19-years and older: 85 mg/day

Consult your doctor what is best for you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Consumption of vitamin C in these recommended quantities can bring a lot of benefits for example strengthening the immune system of the body, thereby preventing many bacterial and viral infections, improving the healing process, etc. As vitamin C is anti-oxidant, it helps in reducing the oxidation process. Vitamin C has also many more benefits which contribute towards healthy living.

Intake of vitamin C slightly above these recommended quantities cannot be mentioned as too much. But, it termed as excess consumption. In the past, several experiments have been carried out and experts have observed that 480-500 mg of vitamin C has damaging effects. However, some cases are also there wherein people have consumed more than 1000 mg per day without any side effect. In fact, it depends upon the capacity of the body to digest vitamin C. So, when the body encounters side effects, the quantities of vitamin C can be tagged as 'too much' or overdose of vitamin C.

Vitamin C Overdose in Pregnancy:

On average, 25 % pregnancies end in miscarriage. About 45% of women with confirmed pregnancies are successful when using vitamin c (ascorbic acid) with the purpose to end a pregnancy at home. Vitamin C can cause self induced miscarriage or abortion in the doses of 6000 to 10000mg. Excess vitamin C during the first month of pregnancy could suppress the production of progesterone which responsible for a miscarriage in women.

To eliminate the excess vitamin C from the body, consume fresh fruit and drink plenty of water and avoid all the side effects of excess vitamin C. It is best to consult doctor to know proper dose of vitamin C during pregnancy.

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