Vitamin C

Vitamin C is not toxic and there is no known toxic level for it. The vitamin is given intravenously for various conditions without any side effects. However, supplement intake of vitamin C in amounts greater than 1-2 grams can cause some individuals to experience loose stools.

However, in those who have a glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency, blood cell fragility may occur when levels are too high. This may result in bruising or hemorrhaging. 

High Vitamin C might be associated with taking high doses of supplements.

A vitamin C deficiency is called scurvy. Signs of a deficiency include the following:

- Easy bruising from weakened blood vessels

- Fatigue

- Wound healing that is prolonged

- Inflammation of the gums with bleeding during brushing

- Pain in the joints

Some specific causes of low vitamin C levels might be: 

- Failure to eat citrus fruits 

- Renal dialysis

- Malabsorption syndromes

- Pregnancy

- Hyperthyroidism

- Use of oral contraceptives or aspirin (Eight aspirin tablets a day has lowered vitamin C levels by 50% in studies.)

- Smoking habit or exposure to second-hand smoke

- Patients with iron overload (Iron is antagonistic to vitamin C)

- Type 1 diabetes

- Lead toxicity

- Infants that receive cow’s milk or evaporated milk without any additional source of vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions in immunity, the synthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters, and protein metabolism. It’s an antioxidant that slows down aging. Deficiency is called scurvy.