Does Vitamin C Cause Kidney Stones? – Everything You Need to Know

You may have heard that vitamin C can cause kidney stones. But is this true? Does vitamin c cause kidney stones? Let’s take a closer look at the connection between vitamin C and kidney stones to find out.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys. They are made up of minerals and acid salts. Kidney stones can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. In fact, they are often described as one of the most painful experiences a person can have. If a kidney stone gets stuck in your urine tract, it can cause the flow of urine to be blocked and cause an infection. Kidney stones usually pass on their own, but sometimes they need to be removed with surgery.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a vitamin soluble in water and is found in many fruits and vegetables. It is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is important for many functions in the body, including boosting the immune system, improving iron absorption, and helping to heal wounds.

The Connection Between Vitamin C and Kidney Stones

So, what does all of this have to do with vitamin C? Well, it turns out that vitamin C can actually increase your risk of developing kidney stones. This is because vitamin C breaks down into oxalate in the body. Oxalate is a substance that is found in many foods, but it is also produced by the liver. When there is too much oxalate in the body, it can form kidney stones.

While everyone needs some amount of vitamin C for good health, it’s important to get only the amount that you need. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is 75-90 mg for adults. People who smoke need more vitamin C than non-smokers because smoking decreases the amount of vitamin C in the body.

Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions may also need more vitamin C than others. Speak with your doctor about how much vitamin C you should be getting each day.

You can get your daily dose of vitamin C from foods like oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, bell peppers, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes. You can also take supplements if you think you are not getting enough from your diet alone. Just be sure not to take more than the recommended amount, as this could lead to problems like diarrhea or stomach upset.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! Vitamin C can indeed cause kidney stones in some people. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to avoid all foods that contain vitamin C. Just be sure to get only the amount that you need each day and speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.