Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Chewable Tablets: Uses & Side Effects (2024)

FAQs

Is there any side effects of vitamin C chewable tablets? ›

Taking too much vitamin C can cause side effects, including: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Heartburn. Stomach cramps or bloating.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an antioxidant medication that comes in chewable tablets to prevent low vitamin C levels. Ascorbic acid helps maintain the health of your cells, immune system, bones and blood vessels. Brand names of this medication are Acerola C® and Airborne ® Immune Support.

Digestive upset, including stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea, commonly occurs when unabsorbed vitamin C is in the intestines. High vitamin C levels can cause increases in oxalates, which make you more prone to kidney stones, especially for people with poor kidney function, per the NIH.

People with sickle cell anemia, as well as people with a metabolic disorder called G6PD, can potentially have serious side-effects from taking high levels of vitamin C. Thalassemia and Hemochromatosis patients could be negatively affected by increased iron absorption, which may occur from vitamin C supplementation.

Your body typically does a better job in absorbing chewables than the non-chewables. That said, chewable gummies and tablets often contain more sugar than the pill-form types. Keep in mind that these differences also vary at the brand level. At the end of the day, it also boils down to personal choice.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Taking more than 2000 mg daily is possibly unsafe and may cause kidney stones and severe diarrhea. In people who have had a kidney stone, taking amounts greater than 1000 mg daily increases the risk of getting more kidney stones.

Do not add too much vitamin C at the same time but should be divided into 3-4 times Drink/day at different times Avoid taking vitamin C at night before going to bed, because it can cause stimulation, excitement leading to insomnia.

You can take vitamin C supplements at any time of day, with or without food, although taking ascorbic acid with foods can help decrease the potential gastrointestinal side effects caused by its high acidity. Make sure to store vitamin C supplements in a cool, dark place, as this nutrient is sensitive to heat and light.

Vitamin C supplementation is contraindicated in blood disorders like thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease, and hemochromatosis. Avoid taking supplements immediately before or following angioplasty. Diabetic patients should take vitamin C supplements with care as it raises blood sugar levels.

Is ascorbic acid safe for kidneys? ›

Vitamin C may also affect kidney health. Higher levels have been associated with lower rates of kidney cancer. However, high doses of vitamin C supplements may increase your risk of kidney stones.

Ascorbic acid may cause serious side effects. Stop using ascorbic acid and call your doctor at once if you have: joint pain, weakness or tired feeling, weight loss, stomach pain; or. chills, fever, pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination.

The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 90 mg a day for men. During pregnancy, 120 mg a day are recommended. The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day.

For adults age 50 and older, the recommended dietary intake of vitamin C is 90 mg / day for men and 75 mg / day for women, with an upper limit of 2,000 mg / day.

Boosts Collagen

This protein is naturally present in your skin and helps keep it from sagging. But your body slows down collagen production as you age. Vitamin C applied to the skin can encourage new collagen to grow. It also helps maintain the collagen you do have and protects the precious protein from damage.

A single chewable tablet won't hurt, but if you need higher levels of vitamin C, switch to another form or consider eating more fresh fruits and vegetables! With a balanced diet, most people can get all that they need, naturally.

Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

In some people, vitamin C might cause side effects such as stomach cramps, nausea, heartburn, and headache. The chance of getting these side effects increases with higher doses. Taking more than 2000 mg daily is possibly unsafe and may cause kidney stones and severe diarrhea.

You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take vitamin C supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking less than 1,000mg of vitamin C supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.