Vitamin C
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling
Indication
Vitamin C is currently not indicated for use in prevention of colds or reduction of symptom severity or duration. Although this had been advocated, evidence does not support its use (1).
Administration
Treatment doses (taken at onset of symptoms) of > 200mg/day have been studied (1,2).
Supplementation of 1g/day has been studied for prevention (1,2).
Take vitamin C with a large glass of water and avoid lying down immediately after as the ascorbic acid may irritate the esophagus (1).
Pregnancy
Vitamin C crosses the placenta, but it is considered safe in pregnancy (1,3). The recommended daily amount sufficient to meet nutrient needs during pregnancy is 85mg/day (1). Large doses during pregnancy has been associated with scurvy in neonates (1).
Lactation
Vitamin C is excreted in breast milk but is considered safe during lactation (1). The amount excreted into breast milk is regulated by the mother, maternal intake of up to 8g/day does not significantly increase the levels in breast milk (1).
Side effects
Well tolerated and safe (1,2,3). Some patients experience nausea, vomiting, heartburn and headache (1). Doses of >1g/day may lead to kidney stones in patients already at risk (1).
See a physician if:
Signs or symptoms of kidney stones develop (1,3). Eg. Flank/groin pain, urinary urgency, hematuria, nausea, vomiting, etc.
References
1. e-CPS [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; c2007 [updated 2012 July; cited 2014 March]. Vitamin C [product monograph]. https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/cps.showMonograph.action?newSearch=true&simpleIndex=brand_generic&simpleQuery=vitamin+C&brandExactMatch=false#m583200n00011
2. Hemila H, Chalker E, (2013). Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochran Database Systematic Review. 31;1:CD000980
3. Lexi-drugs: Ascorbic Acid.Lexi-comp. Hudson, OH. Available online from. http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6386. Accessed March 2014
Indication
Vitamin C is currently not indicated for use in prevention of colds or reduction of symptom severity or duration. Although this had been advocated, evidence does not support its use (1).
Administration
Treatment doses (taken at onset of symptoms) of > 200mg/day have been studied (1,2).
Supplementation of 1g/day has been studied for prevention (1,2).
Take vitamin C with a large glass of water and avoid lying down immediately after as the ascorbic acid may irritate the esophagus (1).
Pregnancy
Vitamin C crosses the placenta, but it is considered safe in pregnancy (1,3). The recommended daily amount sufficient to meet nutrient needs during pregnancy is 85mg/day (1). Large doses during pregnancy has been associated with scurvy in neonates (1).
Lactation
Vitamin C is excreted in breast milk but is considered safe during lactation (1). The amount excreted into breast milk is regulated by the mother, maternal intake of up to 8g/day does not significantly increase the levels in breast milk (1).
Side effects
Well tolerated and safe (1,2,3). Some patients experience nausea, vomiting, heartburn and headache (1). Doses of >1g/day may lead to kidney stones in patients already at risk (1).
See a physician if:
Signs or symptoms of kidney stones develop (1,3). Eg. Flank/groin pain, urinary urgency, hematuria, nausea, vomiting, etc.
References
1. e-CPS [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; c2007 [updated 2012 July; cited 2014 March]. Vitamin C [product monograph]. https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/cps.showMonograph.action?newSearch=true&simpleIndex=brand_generic&simpleQuery=vitamin+C&brandExactMatch=false#m583200n00011
2. Hemila H, Chalker E, (2013). Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochran Database Systematic Review. 31;1:CD000980
3. Lexi-drugs: Ascorbic Acid.Lexi-comp. Hudson, OH. Available online from. http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6386. Accessed March 2014