What Is Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)?

Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for the nutritional supplement known as vitamin C.

Historically, doctors prescribed ascorbic acid to treat scurvy, a medical condition caused by extremely low levels of vitamin C.


Ascorbic Acid Warnings

You should not take ascorbic acid if:

  • You have problems your kidneys

High doses of ascorbic acid increase the risk of a rare condition known as hyperoxaluria.


Pregnancy and Ascorbic acid

If you're taking ascorbic acid in the amount recommended as a dietary supplement, then ascorbic acid is a FDA Pregnancy Category A drug, meaning that it doesn't cause birth defects and is safe for a pregnant woman to take.

However, ascorbic acid is a Pregnancy Category C drug in high doses, meaning that high doses have had harmful effects on the fetus in animal studies. The effects of high doses in pregnant women have not been studied.

You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking ascorbic acid supplements.


Ascorbic Acid Side Effects

Common side effects of ascorbic acid include:

  • Redness and warm feeling of the skin, or flushing
  • Headache
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Upset stomach during or after eating
  • Feeling faint

Ascorbic Acid Interactions

Ascorbic Acid Drug Interactions





  • Exjade (deferasirox)
  • Ferrous gluconate (Fergon, Ferralet, Ferate)
  • Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

Ascorbic Acid and Alcohol



Ascorbic Acid Dosage







Ascorbic Acid Overdose



Missed Dose of Ascorbic acid


