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How do I Choose the Best Liquid Vitamin C?

Christine Hudson
Christine Hudson

Choosing the right liquid vitamin C often depends on who will be taking the supplement and why. If the supplement is going to be taken by anyone under the age of 12, generally children vitamin C formulas are suggested. Children need less of the supplement in general, so formulas made specifically for them usually have a lower dose. Those who are taking vitamin C to help fight a particular illness they are suffering from may wish to take larger doses than those simply taking a supplement daily for their health.

There are many doses and strengths of liquid vitamin C supplements, as well as some supplements which are combinations of two or more vitamins and minerals. It has been believed for decades that it is impossible to overdose on vitamin C, but modern studies and discoveries are proving this to be false. This means that supplements with wildly high doses of vitamin C might need to be avoided even by those taking them for an illness. It is also important to understand that taking more than the daily recommended dose of 60 to 75 mg is often pointless, because any excess of what the body needs is flushed out in the urine.

Large doses of vitamin C may cause headache and fatigue.
Large doses of vitamin C may cause headache and fatigue.

Those who take a liquid vitamin C for illness may be able to take higher doses, as the body may need more nutrients during this time. It is important, however, that a person does not take more than 1,000 mg a day. At these levels, you are at a much higher risk of suffering a vitamin C overdose.

If you chose to take a combination supplement, it is important to note the other vitamins or minerals included and their dose. Any other ingredient in the supplement should be researched to know what the recommended daily amount is. Many of these nutrients can have dire consequences if taken in excess, so it is a good idea to know the suggested limits.

Citrus fruits naturally contain high levels of vitamin C.
Citrus fruits naturally contain high levels of vitamin C.

Liquid vitamin C is preferred by some because it may be absorbed by the body more quickly and easily than powders or pills. This way, you get the most out of the supplement and are not paying for wasted product. These benefits, however, may also be dangerous if you are unaware of the possible side effects. For daily use, it is best not to exceed 70 to 100 mg per day, and those who are ill should never exceed 1,000 mg a day.

Mega-doses of vitamin C have been used to treat symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Mega-doses of vitamin C have been used to treat symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Beyond these considerations, many choose liquid supplements for the taste. Liquid vitamin C can be mixed with food or drink or taken directly. No matter how it is taken, you will most likely taste it much more than in pill form, so many prefer a pleasant flavor. Most supplements come in a citrus flavor like orange, but there are many others such lime, cherry and even berry mixes.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

Does anyone use liquid vitamin C in their skin care? Do you have a recommendation for me? I've heard great things about vitamin C for skin. It's suppose to brighten skin and create an even skin tone.

burcidi

My six year old daughter refuses to eat many fruits and vegetables. Coincidentally, most of what she doesn't eat are the best sources of vitamin C in nature. So I have to give her a vitamin C supplement to keep her healthy. Last winter, she got sick three times and I decided that she would have to take vitamin C from then on.

I had a hard time getting her to take the chewable tablets, so I bought a children's liquid vitamin C. It tastes like strawberry and it's all natural. She actually likes it. She won't eat strawberries, but she will take this supplement. So far, she hasn't gotten sick this winter.

My goal is to start her on some other liquid multi-vitamins now. I really want her to take liquid children's fish oil for omega 3, but I doubt she will agree to it.

SteamLouis

It is definitely possible to overdose on vitamin C. All vitamins become toxic in excess, even water soluble ones like vitamin C. Plus, most of us get some vitamin C through our diet. So something like 250mg/day should be enough for most people. Those who eat fruits and veggies daily don't even need this much.

Doses like 1000mg/day should be reserved for people who are deficient, and that can only be determined with diagnostic testing at the doctor's office. So unless a doctor recommends this amount, I wouldn't take such a high dose of vitamin C.

The other day, I saw a product at the gas station, a shot of liquid vitamin C. It had 3000mg of vitamin C. I think that's like five hundred times the daily recommended dose. I hope no one buys that supplement.

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    • Large doses of vitamin C may cause headache and fatigue.
      By: lithian
      Large doses of vitamin C may cause headache and fatigue.
    • Citrus fruits naturally contain high levels of vitamin C.
      By: dream79
      Citrus fruits naturally contain high levels of vitamin C.
    • Mega-doses of vitamin C have been used to treat symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
      By: chuugo
      Mega-doses of vitamin C have been used to treat symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
    • Vitamin C is a known as a powerful antioxidant and can be found in supplement pills and powders, as well as fortified foods and many types of fruits and vegetables.
      By: WuTtY
      Vitamin C is a known as a powerful antioxidant and can be found in supplement pills and powders, as well as fortified foods and many types of fruits and vegetables.
    • Those who are ill should never exceed 1,000 mg of liquid vitamin C per day.
      By: Creativa
      Those who are ill should never exceed 1,000 mg of liquid vitamin C per day.
    • Doctors concerned about vitamin deficiencies in their patients may request bloodwork.
      By: Boggy
      Doctors concerned about vitamin deficiencies in their patients may request bloodwork.
    • Consuming sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C is an effective way to prevent scurvy.
      By: DreanA
      Consuming sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C is an effective way to prevent scurvy.