Have you ever thought about what could be the relation between vitamin C and kidney health? Many will tell you about the benefits but are there any risks? Is there something else we need to know about kidney and vitamin C?

Well, we are here to cover all your doubts about and around it. Mykare Health will help you understand the relation between kidney health and Vitamin C.

We will also help you understand the risks and benefits associated with vitamin C and your kidney health.

Kidney Functioning Overview

Kidney is not just an organ that has a part in the excretion process but the involvement of kidney in the human body is more complex. Every minute, they filter about a half cup of blood, eliminating wastes and surplus water to create urine. Two small, muscular tubes called ureters, one on each side of the bladder, carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Your kidneys filter blood several times during the day. Your kidneys filter roughly 150 quarts of blood in a single day. And functioning of your kidney is very important in the proper functioning of the blood.

Care to know more about kidney functions. You may refer to our blogs on them.

Vitamin C Overview

Ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, is an important nutrient that helps with collagen synthesis, tissue healing, and the enzymatic synthesis of some neurotransmitters.

It is essential for the proper operation of the immune system and is needed for the function of multiple enzymes.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps shield cells from the harm that free radicals can do.

Benefits of Vitamin C

As you know, this vitamin is necessary for our health. And there are enough benefits that it can provide, as it is an antioxidant, consuming it would be one of the best for you to build your immune system.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Strong antioxidants like vitamin C can bolster your body's defenses naturally. According to studies, increasing your vitamin C intake can raise your blood antioxidant levels by as much as 30%. This aids in the body's defense mechanisms against inflammation.

• It has been observed that vitamin C supplements reduce blood pressure in both hypertensive and healthy adults. In healthy adults, a vitamin C supplement decreased blood pressure on average by 1.5 mmHg in the diastolic range and 3.8 mmHg in the systolic range.

• Excess blood uric acid can cause crystals to form in the joints and cause gout symptoms. Supplemental vitamin C may help lower blood uric acid levels and prevent gout flare-ups.

Relation between Vitamin C and Kidney Functioning

There is evidence that vitamin C intake from whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lowers the risk of kidney cancer. On the other hand, taking large amounts of vitamin C supplements may raise your risk of kidney stones.

High levels of vitamin C can be harmful if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), as the kidneys remove excess vitamin C from your body. According to a review published in 2023, vitamin C may help those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by reducing inflammation and free radical damage.

In addition, vitamin C supplementation might be advised if you receive dialysis. However, it's crucial to discuss vitamin C supplementation with a medical expert, particularly if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Risks from Vitamin C

• It has been found that there are some risks of taking vitamin C in excess amounts. Abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhea are among the gastrointestinal problems that high doses of vitamin C supplements can induce.

• There is evidence that vitamin C intake from whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lowers the risk of kidney cancer. On the other hand, taking large amounts of vitamin C supplements may raise your risk of kidney stones.

• High levels of vitamin C can be harmful if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), as the kidneys remove excess vitamin C from your body.

Anything too much isn’t good.

There is no harm in consuming vitamin C but the consumption should be in a moderate amount. The excessive amount of consumption will only lead to nothing but problems.

However, it's crucial to discuss vitamin C supplementation with a medical expert, particularly if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhea are among the gastrointestinal problems that high doses of vitamin C supplements can induce.