The Role of Vitamin C in Your Supplement Program

Whether its part of a multivitamin or one ofchemotherapy drugs, some types of antacids,
those orange flavored chewables, a lot of Vitaminprotease inhibitors, some antibiotics and Coumodin
C gets consumed in the United States every(also known as warfarin). If you take any
year. Most of it is taken during the fall and winter,medications, speak to your doctor before taking a
when weather conditions cause us to remain inC supplement.
doors and in close proximity for extended lengths4) Can I take too much? Yes and no. An
of time. This should arouse some questions inoccasional overdose won't be much of a problem,
your mind. Is it safe? Is it effective? Does itas it gets excreted. You may experience nausea,
interact with any medications? Can I take toovomiting, diarrhea, a headache and other
much? If so, what will happen? Here are a fewsymptoms, but once the excess amounts have
answers to these questions.been eliminated, these disappear. Continual
1) Is it safe? In normal supplement amounts,overdoses can cause problems bigger problems.
Vitamin C is safe. It is a water soluble vitamin, soOne of them is kidney damage. It is advisable
most of the time what you don't need isn'tthat you stay within the normal parameters
stored in your body, it's excreted.suggested on the label.
2) Is it effective? To prevent colds or get youIf you have questions about how much Vitamin C
over them faster...not really. Oh, if you are underyou should take, speak to your doctor. You may
extreme stress, say you're competing in an Ironalso be referred to a nutritionist, who can help
Man contest, it may cut the likelihood of catchingyou plan a diet that will meet all of your nutrition
one. Unfortunately, the rest of us won't see muchneeds. It's a good idea to tell both the doctor and
of a benefit. Drinking the juice will do more good,the nutritionist about your medical background.
as it provides your body with extra fluids.This includes any medical conditions you have an
3) Does it interact with other medications? Yes, itany medications or supplements you take. This
does. NSAIDs (like aspirin, Tylenol, etc.), birthcan help prevent side effects and harmful drug
control pills, barbiturates, some heart medications,herb interactions.