Toxicity of Ascorbic acid
Many potentially harmful effects have been attributed to excessive intakes of ascorbic acid, but the frequency of recorded toxicity is quite low.
The fear of megadoses of vitamin C would lead to excessive oxalate excretion in the urine, thereby increasing the possibility of calcium oxalate kidney stones, has abated. Although massive doses of vitamin C do increase somewhat the amount of oxalate excreted, the amount usually remains within a normal (and safe) range. Only those persons pre disposed to urolithiasis are likely to be troubled by oxalate stones.
Large doses of ascorbic acid (approximately 4g) will increase the amount of uric acid excreted in the urine. The resulting urine acidification along with the excessive amount of urate being excreted could cause precipitation of urate crystals. However, the actual clinical importance of uricosuria with regard to urolithiasis is unknown.
Because ascorbic acid when ingested with sources of nonheme iron increases iron absorption, chronic high doses of vitamin C may be unsafe for those persons unable to regulate absorption of iron: individuals with hemochromatosis, thalassemia and sideroblastic anemia.
Excessive doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea but the effect is not long lasting. The effect of excessive ascorbate excretion in the urine and feces, however can interfere with a variety of clinical laboratory tests: false negative tests for fecal occult blood may generated, occult blood in the urine may not be detected; tests for glucose in the urine can be rendered invalid.
Based upon the ratio of toxic reactions recorded to the number of persons mega-dosing with vitamin C, one must conclude that, despite all the postulated potential problems, a high intake of ascorbate is relatively harmless.
Toxicity of Ascorbic acid
Vitamins are defined as a group of complex organic compounds present in minute amounts in natural foodstuff that are essential to normal metabolism and lack of which in the diet causes deficiency diseases. Vitamins are required in trace amounts (micrograms to milligrams per day) in the diet for health, growth and reproduction.
Most Popular Articles
-
Absorption and Transport of Thiamin The bioavailability of thiamin occurring naturally in foods is believed to be high. Foods containing the...
-
β-carotene, a pivotal precursor to vitamin A, holds a profound significance in the realm of nutrition and biochemistry. Its narrative unfold...
-
Pantothenic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes essential for human health. It is indispe...
-
Vitamins are vital for human growth, maintenance, and overall health. The following list encompasses essential vitamins: Vitamin B1 (Thiami...
-
Carotenemia is yellowing of the skin resembling jaundice caused by the excess carotene in the blood, most commonly found on the palms, soles...
Articles around the world
-
-
Fish spoilage is a significant concern in the seafood industry, primarily driven by three fundamental mechanisms: enzymatic autolysis, oxidation, and micro...
-