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The Effects of Vitamin C OverdoseAntioxidants protect cells against damage by free radicals. What are free radicals? They are byproducts of normal cell activity that lead to the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, lung disease, cataract, memory loss and cancer. Products with antioxidant properties are thus beneficial to many. No scientific evidence indicates that high doses of Vitamin C protect against these diseases, although there is evidence of its protective benefits against cataracts. Vitamin C overdose is generally not toxic. However, it can cause nausea and diarrhea, and may tamper with the analysis of blood work results. The commonest effect of a Vitamin C overdose is diarrhea. The minimum amount leading to this effect has been observed to be anywhere from 5 g to 25 g a day. This effect is not harmful. It can be easily treated by simply reducing the dose. One study examined other effects of Vitamin C overdose. 6 g of Vitamin C were provided to 29 babies, 93 preschool aged children, and 20 adults for over 1,400 days. At higher doses, signs of overdose included nausea, vomiting, face flushing, headaches, sleep disturbances and fatigue. These additional symptoms were seen in adults only. The commonest sign of overdose in the children was skin rash. A further complication to Vitamin C overdose is iron poisoning, since Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Research shows that high doses of Vitamin E may combat this additional side effect. Also Read:
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