Itching, or pruritus, can develop for many reasons. It can be caused by a wide variety of medical disorders, by coming into contact with skin irritants or as a side effect of taking certain medications or supplements. Consumption of too much vitamin C, however, will not typically trigger an itch though other complications may arise.
Vitamin C Basics
You need vitamin C in your diet to make the protein that forms the basis of your blood vessels, tendons, skin and ligaments. Additional purposes of the vitamin include wound healing, formation of scar tissue, protection from cell-damaging substances called free radicals, and the normal maintenance and repair of your teeth, cartilage and bones. While all fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C, the highest levels of the nutrient are found in kiwi fruit, citrus, cantaloupes, mangoes, pineapples, spinach and other leafy green, broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes, white potatoes and tomatoes.
Itching Causes
The "Merck Manual Home Health Handbook" lists itching-related skin disorders that include hives, parasitic infestations, insect bites and various forms of a condition called dermatitis. Systemic diseases linked to the onset of itching include kidney failure, diabetes, liver disease and leukemia. Materials or substances that can trigger itching include wool, cosmetics and chemical solvents. Medications linked to itching include aspirin, morphine, barbiturates and any drug that produces an allergic reaction. Additional potential sources of itching include pregnancy and dry skin stemming from cold weather, prolonged water exposure or aging.
Excessive Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. This means your body does not store it in your tissues and excretes any amount above your current needs in your urine. Because of these factors, serious side effects from overconsumption of the vitamin are rare, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus. Adults can safely take a maximum of 2,000 mg of vitamin C each day, while adolescents and children can take smaller amounts that vary with age. If you take more than the maximum amount of the vitamin, potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Considerations
If you have an iron storage disorder called hemochromatosis, consumption of high vitamin C doses can worsen your condition and degrade your tissues, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements reports. If you have itchy skin, your doctor can diagnose its source with techniques that include observation, allergy testing, blood testing and a skin sampling procedure called a biopsy. Appropriate treatment varies with the cause. Consult your doctor for more information on vitamin C dosages and the potential causes of itching.
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