Alternatives
Vitamin C is important for all mammals.
Serious side effects from too much vitamin C consumption are very rare, because the body cannot store the vitamin. However, amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not suggested because such high doses can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.Vitamin C levels of less than 0.3 mg/dL indicate significant deficiency, while levels that exceed 0.6 mg/dL indicate tolerable intake.There is no known toxic level of vitamin C. However, limited studies have suggested that levels greater than 3 mg/dL may be affiliated with uricosuria and, in persons with glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency, may induce red blood cell fragility. (University of Maryland Medical Center. Web.)
Too little vitamin C can lead to signs and symptoms of deficiency, including:
- Anemia
- Bleeding gums
- Decreased ability to fight infection
- Decreased wound-healing rate
- Dry and splitting hair
- Easy bruising
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Nosebleeds
- Possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism
- Rough, dry, scaly skin
- Swollen and painful joints
- Weakened tooth enamel
Definition
Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency: Glucose-6-phosphatase (Glc-6-Pase) deficiency, also termed GSD type I or von Gierke disease, is a rare form of GSD.
GSD: Genetics of Glycogen-storage disease
Uricosuria: The presence of excessive amounts of uric acid in the urine.