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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
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A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 12, 2014
Ascorbic acid-induced uricosuria. A consequency of megavitamin therapy
Annals of Internal Medicine
|April 1, 1976
Summary
High doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) increase uric acid excretion, potentially affecting diagnostic tests and gout risk. This vitamin C effect highlights its pharmacologic impact in megadoses.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Uric acid is a key metabolic byproduct.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a common supplement.
- High-dose vitamin C effects on uric acid metabolism are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ascorbic acid on serum and urinary uric acid levels.
- To determine if ascorbic acid influences uric acid clearance.
- To assess potential clinical implications of high-dose ascorbic acid intake.
Main Methods:
- Administered 4.0 g and 8.0 g doses of ascorbic acid to human subjects.
- Measured serum and urinary uric acid concentrations.
- Assessed fractional clearance of uric acid and creatinine clearance.
- Investigated inhibition of uricosuria with pyrazinamide and acetylsalicylic acid.
Main Results:
- Ingestion of 4.0 g ascorbic acid significantly increased uric acid fractional clearance by over 200%.
- This uricosuria was dose-dependent and sustained with 8.0 g doses, lowering serum uric acid.
- Ascorbic acid did not affect creatinine clearance or protein-bound uric acid.
Conclusions:
- Megadoses of ascorbic acid exert a pharmacologic effect, inducing significant uricosuria.
- Ascorbic acid supplementation may interfere with uric acid measurements and gout diagnosis.
- High-dose vitamin C could potentially precipitate gout or kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
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