By now, we have all heard the warnings from doctors and nutritional experts about how important it is to get a regular dose of all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to thrive.
In an effort to achieve this, many of us have added a multivitamin into our daily regimen, hoping to bridge any nutritional gaps we may have.
But undoubtedly, you’ll have also heard about the powerful benefits of Vitamin C, especially for boosting the immune system.
If you check your multivitamin’s label, though, you’ll probably see that it already contains some Vitamin C. But is this enough? And can you take vitamin C and multivitamins together?
That’s what you’re about to find out. So, with no further ado, let’s get started.
Multivitamins 101
Multivitamins are dietary supplements that contain many nutritional elements, particularly vitamins and minerals, that are beneficial to your overall health.
You can buy a standard multivitamin over the counter or choose one that is specifically tailored to your demographic (gender, age, heart health, bone health, and more).
Multivitamins come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and liquids. You can even find 100% plant-based multivitamins and supplements.
For the most part, multivitamins deliver 100% or close to 100% of major and minor vitamins and minerals, and nearly all multivitamins contain Vitamin C.
But to err on the side of caution, you should talk to your doctor about doses of vitamin supplements that are right for you.
Check out my reviews of the best of the best multivitamin products on the market;
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Men
&
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Women
Vitamin C Importance and Requirements
Studies suggest that Vitamin C can not only give your immune system a boost when fighting infectious diseases, but it can also lower blood pressure, prevent iron deficiency, protect your eyes, and ward off many chronic diseases since it has so many antioxidants.
Vitamin C consumption has also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [1], which research shows kills one person every 36 seconds in the US alone [2]. It also benefits your brain, improving functionality and memory as you age.
The recommended daily dose of Vitamin C is a minimum of 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. Anything over 2000 mg is considered a high dose and is not recommended.
What Does Your Body Do with Excess Vitamin C?
As it turns out, Vitamin C is water-soluble. As a soluble vitamin, that means that you will excrete excess Vitamin C in your urine. Again, the upper limit of Vitamin C that your body can safely process is 2000 mg daily.
Too much Vitamin C can lead to some rather unpleasant side effects. The most common include stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Other Ways to Boost Vitamin C
There are better ways to increase your Vitamin C intake than just adding another supplement.
Keep in mind that multivitamins are already dietary supplements. This means that they are intended to fill in nutritional gaps that are not met through the food you eat. Many foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, are high in Vitamin C, as are other plant-based foods.
The best foods to increase your Vitamin C include citrus fruits, red and green peppers, broccoli, baked potatoes, tomatoes, and cantaloupe.
Conclusion – Can You Take Vitamin C and Multivitamins Together?
It is always wise to seek medical advice before beginning any nutritional regimen, especially if you’re considering adding another supplement.
Taking Vitamin C on top of a multivitamin probably won’t hurt you, but it’s always best to consult the experts so you can take a dose that is appropriate for your particular circumstances.
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