What You Need To Know About Vitamin C and Kidney Stones

Have you ever been told that taking too much vitamin C could lead to kidney stones? Is there any truth to it? Kidney stones are a painful condition that affects millions of people each year, and many are looking for ways to prevent them. So, what is the connection between vitamin C and kidney stones? Let’s explore does vitamin c cause kidney stones.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts. They form in your kidneys when certain chemicals become concentrated enough in your urine to form crystals. The most common type of kidney stone is made of calcium oxalate, but other types include uric acid, struvite, cystine, and xanthine. While it’s not uncommon for people to have small amounts of these substances in their urine without knowing it, they can build up over time and form larger stones that can cause pain or blockages.

Does Vitamin C Cause Kidney Stones?

There has been some debate on whether or not vitamin C can actually cause kidney stones. In general, studies have found that high doses of vitamin C (1 gram or more per day) may increase the risk of developing kidney stones due to the conversion of ascorbic acid into oxalate. However, this only applies if you already have a predisposition towards forming these types of stones—so if you don’t already have an increased risk for developing them then taking high doses of vitamin C isn’t likely to be a problem for you.

Are There Any Other Risks Associated With High Doses Of Vitamin C?

In addition to increasing the risk of developing kidney stones, high doses of vitamin C may also lead to digestive upset such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also interfere with the absorption of iron from dietary sources and cause headaches or fatigue in some people. That being said, if taken in moderation (less than 1 gram per day) these side effects should be minimal – so make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any large amounts of vitamin supplements!

In brief

All in all, there is evidence that suggests high doses of vitamin c may increase the risk for developing certain types of kidney stones but this mainly applies to those who already have an increased risk due to other factors such as diet or medical conditions like gout or hyperparathyroidism. If you’re considering taking a supplement containing large amounts of vitamin c make sure you talk with your doctor first so they can evaluate your individual risk factors and provide more personalized advice about whether or not it’s appropriate for you!