Potion or Poison? Vitamin C

Abstract

SUMMARY MESSAGE: For most people, a healthy diet will provide an adequate dose of vitamin C. Use of vitamin C may reduce the duration of symptoms but not the incidence of the common cold. High doses (>2 g/day) can have adverse effects and may interact with warfarin and aluminium. Vitamin C should be used cautiously with oestrogens, cancer chemotherapy, HIV medications, statins and fluphenazine.