From the Research
Vitamin C supplementation should be taken in doses of 65-90 mg per day for general health maintenance, with an upper limit of 2,000 mg per day, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The dosage format of 0.1 mg/dL is not a standard or recommended dosage format for vitamin C supplements, which are typically measured in milligrams (mg) per dose, not in concentration units like mg/dL (which is used for blood levels). Some key points to consider when taking vitamin C supplements include:
- The body cannot produce vitamin C, so it must come from diet or supplements
- Food sources include citrus fruits, berries, and vegetables
- Excessive supplementation can cause digestive upset, kidney stones, and interfere with certain medications
- Alternative formulations of vitamin C, such as Calcium ascorbate EC, may enhance its bioavailability and retention over traditional ascorbic acid, and have been shown to improve tolerability and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations 1
- The effects of vitamin C administration on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infections are rather minor or even debatable in the general population, as noted in a review of the physiological role of vitamin C 2 If you're concerned about low vitamin C levels, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing recommendations based on your specific health needs. Some benefits of vitamin C supplementation include:
- Essential for collagen formation, immune function, and acts as an antioxidant
- May improve quality of life and induce favorable oxalate changes
- May have a favorable impact on immune parameters and reduce the duration of severe symptoms of colds 1