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Biomarkers for establishing a tolerable upper intake level for vitamin C
1Foods and Nutrition Laboratories, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-2502, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|April 2, 1999
Summary
High-dose vitamin C (2-4 g/day) appears safe for healthy individuals, with no current evidence to establish a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). Further research is needed to define a UL for vitamin C.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dietary reference intakes (DRIs) are being updated for vitamin C.
- A key task involves assessing adverse effects of high vitamin C doses.
- This is to determine a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on adverse effects of supplemental vitamin C.
- To evaluate the scientific evidence for setting a UL for vitamin C.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of current and past research.
- Analysis of studies on high-dose vitamin C intake and potential adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Available data suggest very high vitamin C intakes (2-4 g/day) are biologically well-tolerated in healthy mammals.
- No strong scientific evidence currently exists to define or support a UL for vitamin C.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support establishing a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C.
- Further research may be needed to define a UL if new evidence emerges.