3 min read

Comprehensive Information on Vitamin C

Oliwia Kaczmarek ✓

Diets Premium Expert • 19.03.2026

✓

Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian: This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.

Diets Premium Expert Oliwia Kaczmarek

min read 3 min

Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 19.03.2026

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Comprehensive Information on Vitamin C

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Key Takeaways

Vitamin C is often undervalued as a nutritional component. It is typically used primarily in cases of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or influenza. However, it possesses significant antioxidant properties and can be beneficial in various disease states. Notably, the level of this vitamin in our body is relatively low in typical diets that we consume.

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Is it truly vitamin C? How much do we require?

The daily dose of vitamin C was set in 1943. For an adult male, it is 90 mg. Is that sufficient? Vitamin C at low levels in the blood remains in the body for an extended period because its half-life ranges from 8 to even 40 days. During this time, the body absorbs it from the urine. If we have high levels of Vitamin C in our blood, the half-life is only 30 minutes. The requirement for vitamin C is significantly higher in inflammatory conditions and diseases. The body also displays a much higher tolerance to vitamin C in this state. A sign of intolerance to vitamin C is diarrhea. If a dose of 3 g causes diarrhea in a healthy person, the body's tolerance to vitamin C can increase to up to 30 g in an inflammatory state. Vitamin C has specific therapeutic properties and can be used in conditions such as scurvy and even cancer.

The Toxicity of Vitamin C

Every additional milligram of vitamin C that our bodies do not utilize is capable of removing heavy metals. The properties of this vitamin support trace elements such as sulfur, magnesium, selenium, or zinc. However, one might wonder if high levels of it could be hazardous for us? The Committee of Physicians for the Determination of Daily Demand (CDA) in its report on this topic found that high doses of vitamin C do not cause: the formation of kidney stones; allergic reactions; the development of secondary scurvy; the increase in oxygen demand. Additionally, it is not practical to consume such quantities of vitamin C that it would become harmful to us. In cases of intolerance, symptoms such as diarrhea occur, which prevent overdose. The toxicity of vitamin C is only confirmed for cancer cells, which means that cancer can be treated with intravenous infusions of sodium ascorbate. The correct form of vitamin C is its left-handed version.

Adversaries

There are individuals who are against the use of high doses of vitamin C, as well as studies that do not show positive results from its application. In this case, it is crucial to know who conducted the research. I do not intend to present the results of these studies or name the authors of the research. However, it is important to note that they suggested that a high level of vitamin C in the blood can create a suitable environment for the growth of cancer cells. However, there are studies that show that intravenous infusions of sodium ascorbate can be an effective form of cancer treatment. Vitamin C has a very similar structure to glucose, which is required by cancer cells up to 15 times more than healthy cells.

Fields of application

Vitamin C is indispensable for the body, and its deficiency can lead to various diseases such as scurvy or a significant weakening of the immune system. It is also a strong antioxidant that fights free radicals and aids in reducing oxidative stress. Even in cases of toothache, the requirement for vitamin C increases dramatically. An excess of this vitamin helps in removing heavy metals from the body. Tolerance to vitamin C can be easily tested by consuming it until symptoms of diarrhea appear. Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in the production of collagen, contributing to its significance in the treatment of osteoporosis and joint regeneration. The best form of vitamin C is that which naturally occurs in fruits.