The effect of large doses of vitamin C on leukocyte function and some laboratory parameters

Abstract

Consumption of large doses of vitamin C has been ascribed several beneficial effects e.g. on serum cholesterol, haemoglobin synthesis, leucocyte function. Other authors have warned against large doses which could cause renal stones, disturbed vitamin C metabolism, a diabetogenic effect. To test certain statements 24 healthy women received either placebo, 1000 mg or 4000 mg ascorbic acid daily in a double blind study. Blood was drawn at regular intervals. Those women who received large doses of vitamin C increased their serum levels of vitamin C, during the medication, but otherwise we found no differences neither in leucocyte levels of vitamin C, leucocyte function nor other laboratory parameters between women who received placebo or large doses of ascorbic acid.