Is Ascorbic Acid Bad For You?
Also Known As: vitamin C
Short answer
Ascorbic acid is a necessary part of the human diet and is needed to carry out many bodily functions. However, risks can arise when consumed excessively.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C, a necessary part of a healthy diet. This essential dietary nutrient can be found in most citrus fruits as well as a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet peppers, and peas. In addition to the natural sources of ascorbic acid, this has also become a common food additive, being added to foods such as cheese, sherbet, powdered milk, and cereals to name a few. Ascorbic acid can also be taken as a supplement.
Ascorbic acid, when consumed in the proper amounts, is a vital and uncompromising piece of a healthy human diet. Typically, consuming foods that contain ascorbic acid will provide the appropriate amount of the nutrient to keep one healthy. However, there are some significant risks and discomforts that can be associated with too much of the vitamin.
Too much ascorbic acid can result in uncomfortable outcomes such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. One of the most serious side effects of too much ascorbic acid is kidney troubles, more specifically an increased risk of kidney stones. According to a 2005 study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals who consumed 2000 mg or more of ascorbic acid per day had a forty percent higher risk of having a kidney stone. The cause of this is that the ascorbic acid, when breaking down, leaves behind high levels of urinary oxide, which can collect and turn into stones.
The key is consuming the correct amount of ascorbic acid. Be aware of how much you are consuming, and take supplements with care. If you have any questions, always consult your doctor.
Possible short-term side effects
- overconsumption can cause:
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nausea
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heartburn
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stomach cramps
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vomiting
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headache
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diarrhea
Possible long-term side effects
- kidney stones with overconsumption
Benefits
- fights the common cold
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protects skin
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helps heal wounds
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helps fight stress
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decreases cholesterol
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improves blood flow
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lowers risk of disease and cancer
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promotes eye, nail, and hair health
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fights asthma / arthritis symptoms
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Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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