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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #181421
Title: VITAMINS E AND C ARE SAFE ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF INTAKES

Author
item HATHCOCK, JOHN - COUNCIL RESPONSIBLE NUTRI
item AZZI, ANGELO - UNIV OF BERN, SWITZERLAND
item BLUMBERG, JEFFREY - TUFTS/HNRCA
item BRAY, TAMMY - OREGON STATE UNIV
item DICKINSON, ANNETTE - COUNCIL RESPONSIBLE NUTRI
item FREI, BALZ - OREGON STATE UNIV
item JIALAL, ISHWARLAL - UNIV OF CALIF, DAVIS
item JOHNSTON, CAROL - ARIZONA STATE UNIV
item KELLY, FRANK - KINGS COLLEGE, LONDON ENG
item KRAEMER, KLAUS - BASF, LUDWIGSHAFEN, GER
item PACKER, LESTER - UNIV OF SO. CALIF
item PARTHASARATHY, SAMPATH - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV
item SIES, HELMUT - HEINRICH HEINE UNIV, GER
item TRABER, MARET - OREGON STATE UNIV

Submitted to: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/24/2004
Publication Date: 4/1/2005
Citation: Hathcock, J., Azzi, A., Blumberg, J., Bray, T., Dickinson, A., Frei, B., Jialal, I., Johnston, C.S., Kelly, F.J., Kraemer, K., Packer, L., Parthasarathy, S., Sies, H., Traber, M.G. 2005. Vitamins E and C are safe across a broad range of intakes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 81:736-745.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A robust database shows that dietary supplements of vitamins E and C are safe for the general population. Because these nutrients supply antioxidant and other functions for homeostasis and protection against free radical damage, supplementation has been intensively studied. Because of perceived benefits, many persons consume quantities of vitamins E and C well above the recommended dietary allowances. As safety guidance, tolerable upper intake levels have been established by the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, at 1000 mg for vitamin E and 2000 mg for vitamin C in adults. Many clinical trials with these vitamins have involved subjects with various diseases, and no consistent pattern of adverse effects has occurred at any intake. Numerous studies of vitamin C supplementation have provided no pattern of evidence to support concerns about safety other than occasional gastrointestinal upset or mild diarrhea resulting from the osmotic effects of unabsorbed quantities of vitamin C. Evidence of bleeding effects and other potential adverse effects of high vitamin E intakes in humans is not convincing. Evidence of adverse effects of vitamin C that result from its effects on iron absorption and metabolism has not been confirmed in clinical trials. Thus, we conclude from clinical trial evidence that vitamin E supplements appear safe for most adults in amounts