How do you get infected with the bug that causes ulcers?The researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 7,000 adults collected at random between 1988 and 1994. They found that those with the lowest blood levels of vitamin C had the highest incidence of H. pylori. Yes, taking high doses of traditional vitamin C – pills, powders, and capsules – can upset your stomach and then some… Here’s why: Most traditional vitamin C supplements contain straight ascorbic acid. Because no matter what type of vitamin C you ingest, it’s primarily absorbed through an Active transport of vitamin C relies on sodium-dependent vitamin C co-transporters (SVCTs) to carry each vitamin C molecule through special doorways into the bloodstream, cell or tissue. These negative effects are unpleasant but are generally harmless and will resolve on their own. Vitamin C is actually ascorbic acid, and the mouth doesn't respond well to too much acid. Sign up for our newsletter to keep learning how vitamins actually help your body. If you take more than this, you may experience stomach problems and digestive upset, as well as heartburn, headaches, insomnia and kidney stones. Any third party offering or advertising on this website does not constitute an endorsement by Andrew Weil, M.D. Too much vitamin C may cause digestive symptoms The most common side effect of high vitamin C intake is digestive distress.

Learn the details.These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.The web is filled with misinformation about vitamins. However, they can cause upset stomach, heartburn, cramps, and headaches in some people. Although more research is needed, data suggests vitamin C may be beneficial if you have a stomach ulcer, according to an article published in the October 2010 issue of the journal Digital Diseases and Sciences.


Infection with H. pylori often occurs during childhood via food or water that has been contaminated by human fecal waste.Despite the uncertainty about the relationship between vitamin C and H. pylori, the researchers recommended that everyone — particularly those who test positive for H. pylori — increase consumption of foods high in vitamin C because it might help prevent infection or reduce the effects of an infection and, perhaps, prevent peptic ulcer and stomach cancer.If you have an ulcer or chronic gastritis, simple tests requiring a blood, stool, or breath sample can reveal the presence of the bacteria, and if the tests are positive, antibiotic treatment can cure the infection and help treat the ulcer or gastritis.Stay Connected With Dr. Weil - Get Free Newsletters Right In Your InboxInformation on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.

In fact, they may help prevent H-pylori infection, which is the main cause of stomach/duodenal ulcers. May cause a lowering of blood pressure - this may be particularly noticeable when going from a sitting to standing position and may increase the risk of falls. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment.

If there aren’t enough SVCTs to carry all of the vitamin C into the blood, or all of the doors are closed, the vitamin C that was not absorbed is forced to exit the body.This forced exit occurs because the most common forms of Unless you are looking for a good cleanse, there are two ways to prevent these unpleasant experiences and prevent stomach upset when taking high doses of vitamin C:Acid blocker use is associated with depleted levels of several critical vitamins and minerals.
SVCTs can only carry one molecule of vitamin C through one door at a time.This system works efficiently for a healthy person taking small doses of vitamin C, but when you take high doses of vitamin C, the absorption is severely restricted by the number of SVCTs and the number of open doors. Ascorbic acid is recognized as the primary force behind the power of vitamin C, but it The type of vitamin C you take, however, is only one part of the issue.