Vitamin C overdose: This sign when you go to the toilet can indicate too many supplements

VITAMIN C is important for a number of functions in the body, but if you don't eat enough vitamin C-rich foods you may be advised to take supplements. But how much vitamin C should you be getting and what are the symptoms of an overdose?

Sign up for FREE health tips to live a long and happy life

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Vitamin C plays an important role in the function of the body, helping to protect cells and keep them healthy, maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage, and helping with wound healing. The vitamin is best gained through diet, eating vitamin C-rich foods. But those who aren't eating enough of these foods may be advised to take a supplements. How much vitamin C should you be getting a day though and what are tell-tale signs to look for you're getting too much?

Related articles

If you take more than 100mg a day of vitamin C you may experience diarrhoea

If you take more than 100mg a day of vitamin C you may experience diarrhoea, advised Dr Thornber, chief medical officer at Now Patient.

Vitamin C is water-soluble and not stored within the body, so if you consume more than you body needs it can cause digestive issues as your body tries to excrete it.

Stomach pain and wind are also signs of vitamin D overdose to note, said Dr Thornber.

How much vitamin C should we get a day?

Dr Thornber said: "Adults between the ages of 19-64 need about 40mg. Eating a mix of the fruit and veg listed above should deliver that.

"It can't be stored in your body, so you should eat these foods every day."

Vitamin C overdose: This sign when you go to the toilet can indicate too many supplements

Vitamin C overdose: A certain sign when you go to the toilet can indicate too many supplements (Image: GETTY)

How can you get vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in lots of fruit and vegetables, such as oranges, broccoli, strawberries and blackcurrants.

Red and green peppers, Brussels sprouts and potatoes are also good sources of vitamin C.

Dr Thornber said: "If your doctor recommends it or if you're not eating enough foods with it in, then it may be advisable to take a supplement.

"But if people have more than 1000mg a day of vitamin C than that is usually far too much for an average adults."

Related articles

Vitamin C overdose: This sign when you go to the toilet can indicate too many supplements

Vitamin C overdose: If you're not getting enough in your diet you may be advised to take supplements (Image: GETTY)

Vitamin C overdose: This sign when you go to the toilet can indicate too many supplements

Vitamin C overdose: Vitamin C is best obtained from foods, like broccoli (Image: GETTY)

The Department of Health and Social Care advises you should be able to get all the vitamin C you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

But if you take vitamin C supplements you shouldn't take too many as this could be harmful.

Taking less than 1000mg of vitamin C supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.

Dr Thornber added: "If you're symptoms persist and you've reduced the amount you take, see your doctor."

Bowel habits can also be affected by taking too much of another vitamin.