Ascorbic acid. An overdose of vitamins.

Ascorbic acid, popularly known as ascorbic - in our country is very often perceived as a treat that is sold in a pharmacy in the form of large tablets or vice versa - small and yellow.

I'm sure: many of us in our childhood asked parents for one more vitamin, and after growing up and having the opportunity to go to the pharmacy on their own, they already bought ascorbic and ate in bundles.

So tasty, she never evoked the thought that this is a medicine, and it should be taken strictly in certain doses. What if these doses are violated? Is overdose possible with ascorbic acid?

There is an opinion that in vitamin C, as still calls ascorbic acid, the body is experiencing a permanent shortage, however, there is also the opposite information:

• An adult needs at least 90 mg of this medication per day;
• The need for pregnant and lactating women increases to 120 mg;
• Children are quite enough and 30 mg;
• Babies generally receive their portion with breast milk.

It should also be taken into account that many foodstuffs contain ascorbic acid. Overdose can occur in the case of a combination of them and drugs containing vitamin C. Its concentration reaches a maximum in products such as:

• Sweet pepper, spinach, broccoli;
• Black currant, parsley, mature tomatoes;
• Citrus fruits (in which, by the way, it contains much less than in previous products).

It is widely believed that it is possible to cope with colds and even cancers due to increased intake of vitamin C. Unfortunately, this opinion is only of a guessing nature, because there are no studies confirming that ascorbic acid has such properties. Overdose of it - a very frequent phenomenon.

What are the symptoms?

Long-term intake of a large amount of a substance (from 1 gram and more) into the body is fraught with the onset of headache, increased excitability of the nervous system and arterial pressure, the appearance of nausea, vomiting and, often, insomnia. It is also possible the occurrence of hyperglycemia, nephrolithiasis, complications of kidney function.

In other words, an overdose of ascorbic acid in the body is fraught with various and quite serious consequences. To treat this medicine exclusively as a "tasty vitamin" is not worth it.

Despite the fact that ascorbic acid itself does not treat any diseases (even the common cold), it is very effective and in a short time has a positive effect on immunity, strengthening it. However, and that's not all.

Effect of ascorbic acid on the body

Vitamin C affects the rate of biosynthesis of hemoglobin in the body in the direction of increase. Consequently, the amount of oxygen that enters it also increases. In addition, ascorbic acid is responsible for the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of the structure of the skin, nails and hair.

Being an antioxidant, it protects against the influence of free radicals.

This is why ascorbic acid is recommended for most colds, in the cold season, and indeed for all diseases in order to improve immunity . Overdose of this vitamin, being an unpleasant consequence of uncontrolled reception, is still much less dangerous than the complication of any disease associated with a decrease in the protective functions of immunity. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use vitamin C for ailments, however, in certain doses.

Experts advise: moderate consumption of both medicines and products containing ascorbic acid should be observed. Overdose, as doctors say, can come without notice.