Vitamin C: Frequently Asked Questions

I have had to come back to discuss vitamin C following the August 2017 article Vitamin C – What else does it do for us? as a result of consultation queries which warrants a universal response and obviously, restriction in word limitation given for my last vitamin C topic.

In this article, I will try to further emphasise and keep in mind the relevant clinical outcome instead of the biological explanations behind its effectiveness on health. Whilst there isn’t a surge in vitamin C deficiency in the United Kingdom, it is worth appreciating its influence or response when one is unwell.

These answers to the above questions exist, but I feel that we need a legislated update for the good of mankind. My responses are:

What Is The Maximum Dose Of Vitamin C I Can Take In A Day?

The UK recommendation is 80 mg per day, which is about an orange and a half. However, some cases of chronically ill patients have taken doses up to 50 grams safely, under the supervision of trained clinicians.

When Is It Important To Consume Vitamin C?

It is a daily recommendation, therefore, its recommended you take that minimum a day. When unwell, I would like to suggest that more should be added to one’s diet.

Do I Have To Get Intravenous Injections All The Time To Acquire More Vitamin C?

No, you don’t necessarily have to have injections all the time. You can acquire more through eating foods with vitamin C, particularly fruits and vegetables. Unless there is a clinical diagnosis of malnourishment/deficiency, inadequate or unsafe oral intake, food can’t pass through the intestines or there is malabsorption syndrome.

Does Vitamin C Treat Common Colds?

As it stands, the answer is unclear, however, what we currently know is that vitamin C does not decrease the average incidence of colds in the general population, yet it halves the number of colds in physically active people.

I feel vitamin C is just as an important nutrient as the others and contributes to one’s wellbeing. In an ill patient, it has an important role to play and clearly, the traditional “low doses” are useful, but to what degree? Some controlled trials have found statistical dose-response for the duration of the common cold symptoms, with up to 6-8g/day of vitamin C. Other studies have even found that vitamin C prevented and benefited patients with pneumonia and may alleviate respiratory symptoms caused by exercise. This doesn’t mean it treats it, but obviously warrants further investigations and possibly changes in recommendations of vitamin C intake.