Does Vitamin C Cause Side Effects?
Vitamin C usually does not cause significant side effects for most people, especially when taken at normal dosages. However, vitamin C can sometimes cause serious side effects as well, especially when taken at higher dosages.
Bothersome Side Effects of Vitamin C
Some people may experience bothersome side effects of vitamin C. These side effects are not typically dangerous, although they may be signs that you are taking too much vitamin C (since these side effects are more common at higher doses). These bothersome vitamin C side effects may include:
Some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions when vitamin C is applied to the skin.
Serious Vitamin C Side Effects
Even though it seems like a harmless nutrient, vitamin C can cause some serious side effects, especially if too much vitamin C is taken.
These side effects, which should be reported to your healthcare provider, include:
- A blood clot in the legs (deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT)
- Kidney stones
- Erosion of the teeth (from long-term use of chewable vitamin C tablets)
- Worsening of sickle cell disease
- Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) in people with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- Increased aluminum absorption into the body (which can be especially dangerous for people with kidney disease)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as an unexplained rash, itching, hives, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.