Is it ok to take vitamin c pills everyday?

Are you one of those people who, at the slightest hint of a sniffle, immediately reach for a bottle of vitamin C pills? Do you pop them like candy, convinced that they’ll boost your immune system and keep all manner of illnesses at bay? Well my friend, I hate to break it to you but there may be more harm than good in taking vitamin C supplements on a daily basis.

Before we go any further, let’s get one thing straight – vitamin C is important. It’s an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. It helps wound healing by aiding collagen production, has been shown to reduce hypertension and may even help prevent certain types of cancer. However, like most things in life (except pizza), too much can be bad for us.

Why do People take Vitamin C Pills Everyday?

People often take vitamin C supplements with the hope that it will:

  1. Boost their Immune System: There is some evidence showing that high doses of vitamin c have antihistamine properties which might help alleviate allergy symptoms.
  2. Prevent Cold and Flu Symptoms: Some researchers suggest that taking high doses of vitamin c as soon as cold and flu symptoms appear could shorten the length and severity of infections.
  3. Improve Skin Appearance: Collagen which requires Vitamin c contributes significantly towards healthy-looking skin.
  4. Reduce Cancer Risk
    5.Travelers Diarrhea

Fair enough right? Unfortunately these benefits are not supported by enough scientific evidence thus should be taken into account when deciding if its ok or not to take VitamnC suplements everyday.

So what happens if we consume excessive amounts?
Body regulates absorption rates based on our needs nevertheless an excess amount leaves no place else than toilet bowl comparatively everytime 1000 mg additional dose would probably increase urine excretion rate upto 50mg per hour, until it it is reduced to optimal levels.

How Much Vitamin C Should We Consume?

Now that we know why people take vitamin C supplements, let’s talk about dosage. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C in adults is 90 milligrams daily. This can usually be easily obtained through a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables such as: guava, kiwi fruit ,papaya,strawberries,citrusfruits(e.g orange),broccoli,kale,parsley,mangoes,and Brussel sprouts are some of the most high nutritional density sources.

However there are groups who may benefit from taking higher doses of Vitamin C:

  • Smokers : Smoking damages cells hence its wise for smokers need to consume more antioxidants like vitamins A,C,E which fights off free radicals.
  • Pregnant women/Breastfeeding moms
  • People recovering from surgery or illnesses

In these cases consulting a medical practitioner before further consumption would give much needed enlightenment on appropriate supplementation dose depending on individual factors since everything differs due to body mass index(BMI) geographical location and others.

What Happens If You Take Too Much Vitamin C?

We just mentioned how too much of anything can be bad right? Turns out that applies here too. Consuming large amounts cause side effects including diarrhea (which could lead to dehydration), nausea

Typically, people tend not typically develop serious health issues due solely from excessive intake however that does nit mean you should intentionally over consume.

So at what point do things become harmful? Well according to the National Institutes of Health adults needs shouldn’t surpass 2000mg with upper limit at 4000ml/day . Ingesting milk based foods around similar time line might slowdown absorption rate enabling VitamincC gradual release throughout sufficient period also thereby avoiding potebtialy dangerous abrupt excessive accumulation spikes often associate with single dose supplementation.

Do Vitamin C Pills Expire?

As it so happens, yes. Like most supplements, they have a shelf life and will eventually expire. So if you’ve had a bottle of vitamin C pills sitting in your pantry for months on end, chances are they’re way past their prime and taking them might not only be ineffective but also harmful since they may have developed active compounds. Always check expiration dates when buying vitamins.and keep storage as advised(tightly sealed.Avoid direct sunlight,maintain standard room temperature.)

What Else Can You Do to Boost Your Immune System?

Now that you know the ins and outs of vitamin C supplementation,is it Ok or Not.Ok mate we can’t give sure answer but this segment provides alternative ways to maintain healthy immune system.

  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep(7+ hours)
  • Have balanced diet(go easy on carb heavy foods e.g.quinoa,buckwheat,oats,nuts etc)
  • Manage stress(laugh out loud more often!!)
  • Wash your hands frequently

The Verdict

So what’s the verdict? Is it okay to take vitamin C pills every day? Well folks, there is no one-size-fits-all answer here unfortunately.Shoulds,dosanddon’ts differ by individuals age,body conditions,presence/absence of certain illnesses,curtural factors as well other things already mentioned thus consulting doctor/scientist is always advised.The bottom line is that while vitamin C supplements can certainly play a role in maintaining overall health ,regular consumption over extended periods should be avoided unless medically recommended.On the bright side nonetheless,inclusion of above alternatives like hand washing abd laughing would keep both mental and physical wellbeing at par!

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