From the Guidelines
Yes, certain vitamins can cause increased urination, specifically vitamin C and B vitamins, which are water-soluble and can lead to more frequent urination when taken in high doses. According to the study by the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board 1, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 mg/day for women and 90 mg/day for men, and the tolerable upper intake level is 2,000 mg/day. Taking doses above 1,000 mg per day can cause increased urination, as well as diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
Some key points to consider:
- Vitamin C and B vitamins are water-soluble and can lead to more frequent urination when taken in high doses
- The excess amount of these vitamins is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine
- Taking more than the recommended daily allowance of B vitamins can result in bright yellow urine and increased frequency
- If you have kidney issues or are taking medications affected by urine pH, you should consult with a healthcare provider before taking high-dose vitamin supplements
It's also important to note that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and legumes has important benefits, and other constituents besides vitamins may account for the benefits of such diets, as mentioned in the study by the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. Additionally, the American Cancer Society recommends a well-balanced diet and does not recommend the use of vitamin and mineral supplements as a preventive or therapeutic intervention 1.
From the Research
Vitamin Side Effects
- Vitamins can cause potential harms such as adverse reactions, drug interactions, and increased medication burden 2
- The long-term health consequences of vitamins consumption are unknown, and some vitamins may cause adverse events 3
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) and some water-soluble vitamins (folic acid, niacin) can cause serious adverse events 4
Vitamin Interactions and Toxicities
- Vitamins can interact with drugs and have documented adverse effects and toxicities 4
- Vitamin A should be excluded from multivitamin supplements and food fortificants due to its potential toxicity 4
- The use of beta carotene or vitamin E supplements is not recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer due to the potential harms outweighing the benefits 5
Vitamin Deficiency and Supplementation
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of megaloblastic anemia and various neuropsychiatric symptoms, and screening may be warranted in high-risk patients 6
- Oral administration of high-dose vitamin B12 is as effective as intramuscular administration for correcting anemia and neurologic symptoms 6
- The evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with multivitamins or single/paired nutrients (other than beta carotene and vitamin E) for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 5