Preliminary research also suggests that vitamin C has anticancer properties and that a high dose supplement could potentially be used as an alternative treatment in people with cancer ( 6, 7, 8). The most commonly known benefit of vitamin C, though, is for immune health, particularly as it relates to the common cold. Vitamin C plays an essential role in the body. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it has been found to have several benefits, particularly for skin and immune health.

The amount you need will vary depending on age, gender, lifestyle choices like smoking, and other health conditions. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men over the age of 18. Pregnant women need 85 milligrams and breastfeeding women need 115 milligrams. Another 2021 study suggests that high dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C may reduce some of the side effects of cancer therapy. Other work found that high dose vitamin C may also have anticancer properties through its ability to inhibit the migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells.Some people take high doses of vitamin C to boost the immune system, especially during cold and flu season. “Vitamin C is often thought of as a miracle immune-booster, but this isn’t the case,” says Stark. In fact, research suggests that vitamin C supplements don’t prevent colds unless you are exposed to extremely cold temperatures. regularly engage in extreme exercise, or have low vitamin C intake or absorption. They may slightly reduce a cold's duration or severity if taken regularly before the cold starts (but not after symptoms arise). Research has also shown that vitamin C supplements do not help prevent or treat COVID. In addition, supplements are not designed to replace a healthy diet. If you rely on supplements to get your vitamins, you may miss out on all of the benefits of eating nutrient-rich foods. Research suggests that the sum of all of the nutrients found in food is greater than the individual vitamins on their own as they are in supplements. Maggini S, Beveridge S, Suter M. A combination of high-dose vitamin C plus zinc for the common cold. J Int Med Res. 2012;40(1):28-42. doi:10.1177/147323001204000104 Additionally, a systematic review found that vitamin C supplementation was effective in lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension ( 5).

Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, normal function of the immune system, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and collagen formation for the function of skin Mineral ascorbates, such as sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate, are less acidic and may be preferable by people who experience digestive side effects when taking regular ascorbic acid. However, there is limited research on whether these forms are actually more well-tolerated ( 16). Mason, S. A., et al. (2021). Effects of vitamin c supplementation on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes: A grade-assessed systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

What are some other side effects of Ascorbic Acid Solution, Liquid, and Syrup?

However, the NIH also states there is conflicting evidence of whether kidney stones and vitamin C intake are related. The organization says that people most at risk of kidney stones due to ingesting too much vitamin C are those with existing high amounts of oxalate in their urine. Should people take vitamin C daily?

Cameron, E., et al. (1976). Supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatment of cancer: Prolongation of survival times in terminal human cancer.According to the NIH, the recommended daily vitamin C intake for most non-lactating adults is 75–90 milligrams (mg). Can vitamin C damage the kidneys? People who do not like swallowing tablets may prefer a chewable vitamin. This product delivers 500 mg of vitamin C per chewable tablet. To ensure that a product contains what it says it does, it’s best to look for one that’s tested by a third-party organization, such as United States Pharmacopeia (USP), Consumer Lab, or NSF International.