Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid. Dietary Supplement, vitamin.
This page describes what Vitamin C is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Dietary Supplement
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter (unrestricted)
- Half-life
- ~2 hours (excess excreted)
- Liver strain
- None at typical doses
- Kidney strain
- None at typical doses
- Converts to estrogen
- None
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Scurvy
- Iron absorption support
What it does in the body
Immune
- Antioxidant; supports immune function and collagen synthesis
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (tablet/powder) | ~2 hours (excess excreted) | N/A (not a banned substance) |
Side effects and health risks
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhoea above about 2g a day
Kidneys
- Very high doses may raise kidney stone risk in susceptible people
Related compounds
Questions
What is the half-life of Vitamin C?
About ~2 hours (excess excreted). Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is Vitamin C detectable?
Testing windows of N/A (not a banned substance) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is Vitamin C legal?
Over-the-counter (unrestricted). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with Vitamin C?
Ask a doctor which tests suit you.
What are the side effects of Vitamin C?
Gastrointestinal: diarrhoea above about 2g a day. Kidneys: very high doses may raise kidney stone risk in susceptible people.
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.