Most people in the United States get enough vitamin C from their diets, according to the U.S. Office of Dietary supplements. Although high doses of vitamin C supplements may benefit people who are at risk for a vitamin C deficiency, they are unnecessary for most people. Most people will not experience weight loss as a result of vitamin C supplementation.
Amounts
A high dose of vitamin C may be any amount that exceeds the recommended dietary allowance. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C is 75 mg a day for adult females and 90 mg a day for adult males. Large doses of vitamin C that exceed the tolerable upper intake level, which is 2,000 mg a day for both males and females, may cause adverse side effects. Adverse side effects of getting too much vitamin C include diarrhea, stomach cramps or upset stomach.
Vitamin C and Weight Loss
As of September 2011, no scientific evidence is available to support the theory that high doses of vitamin C will cause weight loss in healthy individuals with adequate levels of vitamin C in the body. Individuals with a vitamin C deficiency, however, may experience weight gain because of slowed metabolism, according to MedlinePlus. If these people receive large amounts of vitamin C to treat their deficiency, it is possible that metabolism may return to normal and weight loss may occur. If you believe you have a vitamin C deficiency or may benefit from large amounts of the vitamin, contact a doctor.
Other Weight Loss Options
Healthy people with adequate levels of vitamin C may want to consider other weight loss options. Burning more calories than you burn each day will result in weight loss. You can do this by increasing the intensity or frequency of your exercise routines or by consuming fewer calories throughout the day. Medical intervention may also be useful in some situations. Prescription weight loss medications include phentermine, orlistat, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine. Medications that are intended for other purposes, such as depression or seizures, may also produce weight loss in some individuals. These medications include buproprion, metformin, zonisamide or topiramate. Talk to a doctor about the potential advantages and disadvantages of using medications to lose weight.
Warning
Large doses of vitamin C not only may cause gastrointestinal upset, but may interfere with certain medications or medical treatments as well. Vitamin C supplements could possibly interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. They also may reduce the positive effects of some cholesterol medications, especially when taken with other antioxidants, and could negatively interact with other medications or supplements as well. Talk to your doctor about your current supplements, medications and medical treatments before beginning vitamin C supplementation.
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