What causes hypervitaminosis C?

Hypervitaminosis C is caused by excessive intake of vitamin C supplements, typically in doses exceeding 2,000 mg per day over extended periods. While vitamin C from food sources is rarely problematic because the body regulates absorption, high-dose supplements can overwhelm the bodys excretion capacity. This leads to accumulation of ascorbic acid in the bloodstream, triggering gastrointestinal distress and potentially contributing to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.

What is the best test for hypervitaminosis C?

The Vitamin C Blood Test is the most important test for hypervitaminosis C because it directly measures serum ascorbic acid levels to confirm whether vitamin C concentrations are elevated above the normal range of 0.4 to 2.0 mg/dL. This test is essential for distinguishing vitamin C toxicity from other conditions that cause similar digestive symptoms. When combined with your supplement history and symptom timeline, the Vitamin C test provides definitive evidence of overconsumption and helps your healthcare provider determine if you need to reduce or discontinue supplementation.

When should I get tested for hypervitaminosis C?

You should get tested if you are taking high-dose vitamin C supplements (above 1,000 mg daily) and experience persistent diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, or abdominal pain. Testing is also recommended if you have a history of kidney stones and regularly consume vitamin C supplements, or if you are experiencing unexplained digestive issues that began after starting a new supplement regimen. Early testing helps prevent complications and guides appropriate adjustments to your supplement intake.

What are the symptoms of hypervitaminosis C?

The most common symptoms of hypervitaminosis C include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and general gastrointestinal discomfort. Some people experience heartburn, bloating, or indigestion. In more severe or chronic cases, excessive vitamin C can increase oxalate levels in urine, potentially leading to kidney stone formation. Symptoms typically appear when daily intake exceeds 2,000 mg and usually resolve once supplementation is reduced or discontinued.

Who is at risk for hypervitaminosis C?

People who regularly take high-dose vitamin C supplements (typically 2,000 mg or more daily) are at highest risk for hypervitaminosis C. Those who use multiple supplements without checking vitamin C content in each product may inadvertently consume excessive amounts. Individuals with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones face increased risk of complications from vitamin C excess. People following wellness trends that promote megadoses of vitamin C for immune support should be particularly cautious about toxicity.

What happens if hypervitaminosis C is left untreated?

If hypervitaminosis C continues untreated, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms can lead to dehydration from chronic diarrhea and malabsorption of other nutrients. The most serious complication is the increased risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, which develop when excessive vitamin C is metabolized into oxalate. Chronic high doses may also interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 and copper. While vitamin C toxicity is rarely life-threatening, ongoing symptoms significantly impact quality of life and kidney stone formation can cause severe pain and require medical intervention.

Can hypervitaminosis C be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, hypervitaminosis C can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures serum vitamin C levels. The Vitamin C Blood Test detects elevated ascorbic acid concentrations above the normal range of 0.4 to 2.0 mg/dL. Your healthcare provider will interpret results alongside your supplement history and symptoms to confirm the diagnosis. Unlike many vitamins that require multiple markers, vitamin C levels can be directly measured in blood serum, making diagnosis straightforward when toxicity is suspected.

How is hypervitaminosis C treated?

Treatment for hypervitaminosis C primarily involves discontinuing or significantly reducing vitamin C supplementation. Most symptoms resolve within days to weeks once excessive intake stops, as vitamin C is water-soluble and naturally excreted through urine. Your healthcare provider may recommend increased fluid intake to help flush excess vitamin C from your system and reduce kidney stone risk. In cases where kidney stones have developed, additional treatment may include pain management and urological intervention. Follow-up blood testing may be recommended to confirm vitamin C levels have returned to normal range.

How can I prevent hypervitaminosis C?

Prevent hypervitaminosis C by limiting vitamin C supplementation to no more than 1,000 mg daily unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider. Read labels carefully on all supplements and fortified foods to avoid inadvertently combining multiple vitamin C sources. The recommended daily allowance for adults is only 75-90 mg, easily obtained through diet with fruits and vegetables, so most people do not need high-dose supplements. If you choose to supplement, select moderate doses and take periodic breaks. Regular monitoring through blood testing can help ensure your levels remain in the healthy range.

What can I do at home for hypervitaminosis C?

At home, immediately stop taking vitamin C supplements if you suspect toxicity and increase your water intake to help your kidneys flush excess vitamin C from your system. Eat bland, easily digestible foods to soothe gastrointestinal symptoms while your body recovers. Keep a supplement diary to track all products you have been taking, including doses and duration, to share with your healthcare provider. Most symptoms improve within a few days of stopping supplementation. If symptoms persist beyond a week or worsen, seek medical evaluation to rule out complications or alternative diagnoses.

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Hypervitaminosis C Blood Test

What is Hypervitaminosis C?

Hypervitaminosis C is a condition of vitamin C toxicity caused by excessive intake of ascorbic acid supplements. It occurs when high doses of vitamin C accumulate faster than the body can excrete them through urine. The Vitamin C Blood Test is the most important test for diagnosis as it directly measures serum ascorbic acid levels to confirm elevated concentrations.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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