Is it good to take one vitamin C tablet per day?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I heard that vitamin C has antioxidant properties, so I was thinking about taking one tablet daily. I wonder if it's beneficial for the body and whether taking one tablet per day is advisable.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi

Whether taking one vitamin C tablet daily is good or not cannot be generalized. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays multiple important physiological roles.

It has strong antioxidant properties, helping to eliminate free radicals in the body, delay aging, protect cells from oxidative damage, and potentially aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It also promotes collagen synthesis, helping the skin maintain elasticity, alleviating skin itching symptoms, and enhancing the skin's resistance to external irritants.

However, long-term excessive intake of vitamin C may have adverse effects. The human body has a certain requirement limit for vitamin C, and healthy adults who maintain a balanced diet with adequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables—such as oranges, strawberries, and broccoli—usually meet their body's need for vitamin C, making additional supplementation unnecessary.

Long-term excessive supplementation may increase the risk of urinary tract stones and could cause gastrointestinal discomforts, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, if you are considering taking a vitamin C tablet daily, it is advisable to consult a physician first and make a comprehensive judgment based on your dietary habits and health status to determine whether additional supplementation is necessary.