High Intakes of Vitamins E and C Found Safe

WASHINGTON--A recent database review found ample research shows vitamins E and C do not show a consistent pattern of adverse effects, even when taken at high levels. The review was published in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (81, 4: 736-745, 2005) and conducted by researchers from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

The CRN scientists noted while the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, established tolerable upper intake levels at 1000 mg for vitamin E and 2000 mg for vitamin C, human consumption is often above the recommended dietary allowances, in due to results from copious clinical trials conducted on the vitamins’ positive effects on various diseases.

The CRN scientists wrote abundant studies of vitamin C supplementation have provided no consistent evidence to support concerns about safety, other than occasional gastrointestinal upset or mild diarrhea from unabsorbed vitamin C. Likewise, they found the evidence of adverse effects from vitamin C’s impact on iron absorption and metabolism is unconfirmed, and evidence of bleeding from high vitamin E intake is not convincing. The researchers concluded clinical trial evidence shows safe intake for most adults is as high as 1600 IU for vitamin E, and 2000 mg for vitamin C.

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