The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Mono
Posted by Richard Morgan (Edgewater, Florida) on 07/09/2008
★★★★★
Oral vitamin C therapy as recommended by Dr. Robert Cathcart was employed to resolve within 14 days a case of mononucleosis contracted by my 17-year-old grand-daughter.
Procedure:
1st 24 hours, 7000mg ascorbic acid powder in orange juice every hour.
Subsequent days: 1000mg every hour until bowel tolerance syndrom; thereafter, an amount of the vitamin every three hours just short of bowel tolerance syndrome.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Bridget (Gilbert AZ) on 03/17/2024
I'm battling multiple health issues. Does anyone know what vitamin c she is talking about. It shows a blank space every time she says what it is.
Side Effects
Posted by Wes (Webster, TX) on 01/10/2008
I'm 220 and work out almost everyday. I started taking 2000mg of vitamin C. Ester C tablets. A few days later I noticed I was very easily enraged. I did this for about 4 weeks and decided it wasn't worth it. I recently started taking and animal pack vitamin package. After taking for several days I noticed the same effect. Read the ingredient 2000 mg Vitamin C. So I stopped taking it. Is there anyway to counteract the aggressiveness. IE some other vitamin.
Side Effects
Posted by Ted (Bangkok) 391 posts
First off 2000 mg of vitamin C is too much, for an oil soluble Ester C. Most remedies I used revolves around the use of a much safer water soluble sodium ascorbate. To reduce the problem of ester C is to remove them. Since ester C is oil soluble, one tablespoon of granulated lecithin is preferably three or four times a day to displace it, and drink plenty of water. The other thing that may reduce rage effects is taking plenty of amino acid supplements plus some added tryptophan amino acid. A 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken at least twice a day may also further reduce the problem. A neutral pH ester C is really acid for the body as the body is generally more alkaline than the ester C, and hence the baking soda remedy is used.
Another that might be useful in brain biochemistry, to reduce this problem is the flaxseed oil and fish oil, to protect normal brain function, besides the other remedies already considered.
Side Effects
Posted by Christine (USA) on 11/04/2008
This afternoon, I visited your site and noted a comment by a reader who said that Ester C made him enraged. It's not the Vitamin C, it's the aspartic acid in the Ester C product. I verified this with an aspartame activist. Aspartic acid is an excitotoxin, a poison that kills brain cells. Yep, it's the same stuff as in aspartame. All of the studies done on Vitamin C were done with sodium ascorbate, which is a type of chemically buffered Vitamin C. It's best to take it as a powder in water, because you can get gastritis if you take too many pills.
Hope that helps,
Christine
"Aspartic acid is an amino acid. Well, amino acids are good for us, right? Don't they keep us healthy ? The answer is yes, amino acids are necessary for good health, EXCEPT when you separate the individual amino acid from its protein chain, and use it as an "isolate" or by itself. (S.Sawada, et al '98)
In aspartame, these become synergistic toxins; one component playing off the other in a dangerous, systemic downward spiral. This eventually gives way to clinical manifestations; "hard-to-diagnose" health complications, and a myriad of medical symptoms and illnesses, which can eventually cause irreversible medical complications and death.
Aspartic acid, in aspartame, is an excitotoxin. An excitotoxin, is a deleterious substance that excites or over stimulates nerve cells. This occurs in the brain, as well as the peripheral nerves, because aspartic acid, in free form, easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This pathological excitation of nerve cells creates a breakdown of nerve function, as we will see. (L.E.Rosenberg, McGraw-Hill 1991)
Side Effects
Posted by Roxanne (Easton, Pennsylvania) on 11/21/2008
I found the information about aspartame in Ester C product interesting. I've had two spinal fusion and my Doctor wants me to take vitiman C for healthy cell growth etc. I could not take regular vitamin C after awhile needing nexium for months. I switched to Ester C. 6 months ago taking 500-1000mgs. a day. I had have a burning, tingling and pain in legs for months only getting extremely worse over the past 2 months. Now I am taking Neurontin 300mg;bid. My neurosurgeon wants me to go through an EMG again. I've been throught every MRI/scan to rule out my fusions/nerves at spine. After reading this and how aspartame can effect peripheral nerves it makes sense. It must be the Ester C? Thanks again for the insight.
Side Effects
Posted by Kat (Albuquerque, New Mexico) on 12/11/2007
I just wanted to comment on a reply were you stated that vitamin c can help prevent miscarriage. ascorbic acid (synthetic vit c i believe) is actually and abortificient in early term pregnancy, so you should be sure to note that unless a woman is trying to terminate a pregnancy, she should never take ascorbic acid while pregnant (ascorbic acid is the main ingredient in most off brand and lower priced vit c supplements.)
Side Effects
Posted by DarenM (Trenton, MI) on 10/07/2008
Kat,
Ascorbic acid IS Vitamin C. Just the scientific name. It by no means refers to the ingredient in "off brand" and "lower priced" vitamin C supplements. Other ways you may see it on the back of bottles and such is "sodium ascorbate" or "calcium ascorbate" which is actually mineral vitamin C and can help people who suffer any heatburn problems from taking to much ascorbic acid. The sodium, and calcium ascorbates are cut as to not be so acidic. The downside is that you need to watch your intake as i think calcium is NOT water soluable. As far as it being used for miscarriages, I doubt it. You'd have to take quite a bit.
Side Effects
Posted by JD (NYC) on 11/08/2007
I remember that my brother used to get nose bleeds when he took too much vitamin c when he was sick during college years. I can take up to 3,000 milligrams of Ester C for about 3 days before I get diarrhea. I know at that point to stop because my system can't take it anymore. Interestingly, the sicker I am, the more C I can take without the diarrhea.
Side Effects
Posted by John (Ireland) on 09/15/2015
Your body uses the C to heal your sickness. Less sick, less C needed so you throw out wha'ts left. Use Organic Sulphur with the C, amazing results.
Side Effects
Posted by Annie (Chicago, IL) on 10/10/2007
I got a facial for the first time in my life four days ago and the vitamin C products the aesthetician used seems to have caused a reaction on my skin. I have a rash all over my forehead, although it is not red. It's more like a breakout, except when I scratch it, it is itchy--unlike acne. This seems to be a mild allergic reaction to vitamin C. I am worried because my wedding is this weekend! Has anyone had a similar experience and can I expect it to go away in a couple days?
Side Effects
Posted by Jennifer (Denver, CO) on 11/08/2007
RE: VITAMIN C PRODUCTS CAUSED FACIAL RASH 10/10/2007: Annie I have the same problem, athough I myself am an esthetician. I cannot use C or A on my face without a similar reaction. Ironically, the C products are prescribed for sensiteive skin!
Ph
Posted by Joyce (Lansdowne, Pa) on 06/08/2011
While I believe in alkalizing the body, stomach acid should not be alkalized unless one is producing too much acid. I suffered from indigestion and hours after I have eaten my food would not be digested. My allergist diagnosed me as having acid reflux which was causing asthma like symptoms. I was taking Nexium which did not help much. I took ACV which helped but after starting the green smoothie I had no more problems with indigestion or acid reflux. I still take ACV ocassionally and probiotics. I love Earth Clinic and believe this site is helping a lot of people and if alkalizing helps, let it be.
Side Effects
Posted by Eve (Upper Marlboro, MD) on 08/08/2007
I've had an allergy to vitamin c since birth. As a child, my parents observed rashes on my face and body when I consumed too much vitamin c. Now, as an adult, I have acne breakouts when I eat oranges, or drink juices or take supplements with higher than 100% of the daily value of vitamin c. I'm assuming my body is highly acidic. My dad tells me to try taking vitamin c in liquid form. Is it possible that this would prevent the breakouts?
Side Effects
Posted by Yvette (Choctaw, Oklahoma) on 09/27/2007
Response to Eve-Marlboro, MD -- I also had a reaction to vitamin c all my life. I was so sensitive I would eat an orange and breakout with rash in the back of my knees. I noticed you said your Dad was recommending a liquid supplement. I am taking a liquid all natural supplement. Have had no reactions at all. You are welcome to contact me.
Side Effects
Posted by Kula (Semarang, Indonesia) on 04/15/2007
vit c side effect: I had been consuming blended tomato, carrot and apple every morning (before breakfirst) since 2005 till last month. Lately I feel tight or cramp inside my neck. When I stopped those blended fruits, my throat/neck is OK.
Side Effects
Posted by Aelphabae (Milton, Wi) on 09/26/2012
Keep in mind tomatoes are part of the nightshade plant family and are actually TOXIC to humans. You woud have to eat a large amount to experience dramatic effects but it is shown to cause inflammation in the body in small doses... Generally you want to avoid tomatoes and other nightshade plants (eggplant, potatoes, etc)
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 09/27/2012 2041 posts
I just happened to research this a little yesterday as I had a large portion of unpeeled potatoes night fore last and became major drowsy, totally lost libido, and slept way ahead of my usual bed-time. The cumulative affect of regular consumption of the nightshades causes calcium to become gated from normal ionic cell membrane channels causing weak bones, arthritis, etc. As for acute toxicity from the nightshade's Solanine, it looks like I did exactly what was necessary for poisoning. The skin of the potato, when exposed to light and warm temps, causes a rapid increase in Solanine content as a natural protector. This is noticed in the "greening" of the skin. The sprouts are also toxic. It is recommended to peel these "greened" potatoes and cook in veg oil NOT water (not sure about baking).
Side Effects
Posted by David (Elkton, MD) on 11/18/2008
It might be the calcium, as well as bioflavanoids. Ester C is C buffered with calcium and it also contains bioflavanids, and some people are more sensitive to calcium supplements than others and bioflavanoids are a problem for many people. Most creams with Vitamin C buffer it with calcium and throw rose hips and other junk in there to make it sound even more beneficial even though it's they're far more likely to give you an adverse reaction.
Skin especially needs vitamin C. It's a primary ingredient in the process of creating collagen which gives skin elasticity and keeps it from getting saggy.
I would suggest pure ascorbic acid for consumption. Most studies indicate pure Vit C is just as viable as buffered solutions and complexes including bioflavanoids.
With adequate C intake local application of the C to your skin should not be necessary. You could however put super concentrated vit C fluid + baking soda (to make sodium ascorbate, a non-acidic version of Vitamin C) in a dropper and rub it in to your face each night before you go to bed. Powdered pure vit C and baking soda is cheap and easily obtainable and I guarantee it will not give you a rash if mixed to become neutral.
Side Effects
Posted by Pat (Lamper, MO) on 01/28/2007
Recently had bladder infection, solved with soda and ACV. Nobody ever discusses Vit C problem. If I take Vit C or even a health bar with citric acid, I develop kidney or bladder problem. Would love to cleanse with your 1/4 tsp lemon, soda and pinch of Magnesium and potassium.
Side Effects
Posted by John (Oakland, CA) on 01/10/2007
re: Large doses of Vitamin C. I took 3 grams/day for periodontal disease. I'm cutting back because I would sneeze so hard I became congested and would turn to inhalers. My lungs constricted.
Side Effects
Posted by Sarah (USA) on 12/20/2006
I take high doses of Vitamin C whenever I get a cold. I always get a rash on my abdomen, breasts and underarms afterward. I don't know if the vitamin C causes it, but I wonder now if the two are linked.
Side Effects
Posted by Bret (Phoenix, Arizona) on 09/18/2008
I thought I had an allergy to vitamin c growing up. My pediatrician said no, it was an allergy to contaminants and biproducts. Some experts feel you cannot be allergic to a vitamin, but that plant biproducts, bioflavenoid, rhutin can induce allergic reactions. I know because I used to break out in pinpoint rash on my abdomen from vitamin c and had to take liquid drops which were pure. While I was growing up, I had to take this liquid form. If I was truly allergic to c, I would still have broken out, which I did not in the purest form.
Stay away from rose hips and extras. Buy the powder without the extra's. Buffered is good so don't mistake potassium, magnesium, calcium as extras. Just straight c, buffered or not.
Your liver used to make vitamin c as does every mammal. Somewhere along the line, primates lost their ability to manufacture their own c. This is why some people feel you can't be allergic to the vitamin, but can be allergic to the stuff that comes along with it. It's like being allergic to a hormone that your body already makes. If you take synthroid and have a reaction, chances are it's not the synthroid as your body manufactured this hormone naturally, it is something in the synthroid which causes reactions.
So seek out powder form, no flavenoids and such. No rose hips.
Good luck. This is a very important vitamin. Bret Peirce
Side Effects
Posted by Sue (Jamestown, Ny, Usa) on 03/10/2012
Hi, I am really confused... What type of vitamin C should I be taking? I have been taking Ascorbic Acid form of vitamin C, 3000 mg a day for hairloss as well as juicing 3 lemons with baking soda a day. I have noticed that I have gained weight and did not understand why. Could the vitamin C as well as the Lemons be causing this? I have been trying to treat my hairloss with this regimine. How do I tell when purchasing vitamin C if it is acidic or alkaline? Thanks Sue
Side Effects
Posted by Leah (NH) on 12/05/2006
I started taking pure vitamin C as suggested by a doctor to try and get rid of my cold faster. Within a couple of days I broke out with a blistery rash on the palms on my hands. It itched somewhat and was very annoying. Once i stopped taking it the rash disappeared. I also developed the rash after drinking large amounts of V8 Splash juice which also contains large amounts of vitamin C.
Side Effects
Posted by David (Elkton, MD) on 11/18/2008
It isn't the vitamin C. If Tomato juice causes it it's likely bioflavanoids that often come with vitamin C. You need C to survive, and your body doesn't produce it. You need to ingest it. Vitamin C is without doubt the most misunderstood nutrient and wrongfully disparaged therapeutic substance in modern medicine.
Side Effects
Posted by KT (Irvine, Ca) on 11/11/2009
I agree with people linking Vitamin-C to cold sores. So, I am not alone! When taken in a dose as high as 500mg I start to get cold sores or ones already present get worse, talking about lip-condition here. I wonder what the explanation is! Reacta-C is one I took and it gives me cold sore symptoms. If I buy a formula where Vitamin-C is a part, I make sure it's not more than 50mg or else I don't buy the formula at all. B-Complex for eg. comes with Vitamin-C as part of it, some with 50mg some with 500 mg. So yea, may be taking Vitamin-C in small doses is okay or make your own like suggested here by grinding dry citrus fruit peels.
