Vitamin C Intake Recommendations

Standard Recommendations by Region

The European Food Safety Authority recommends a daily intake of 110 mg of vitamin C for men and 95 mg for women, based on maintaining optimal plasma vitamin C concentrations and replacing daily metabolic turnover 2, 3, 1
The United States and Canada recommend a daily intake of 90 mg of vitamin C for men and 75 mg for women 2, 1
Countries focused on scurvy prevention only, such as the UK, Australia, India, and FAO/WHO, recommend a daily intake of 40-45 mg of vitamin C 2, 3

Pregnant women require an additional 10-20 mg of vitamin C per day above the baseline intake, for a total of 85-110 mg per day 3
Lactating women require an additional 20-60 mg of vitamin C per day above the baseline intake, for a total of 95-150 mg per day 3
Older adults may require special attention to ensure adequate vitamin C intake, particularly those in long-term care or with poor dietary intake 4

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C is 2,000 mg per day for adults, based on the risk of gastrointestinal upset 1, 5

Patients with hemochromatosis or iron overload conditions should avoid vitamin C supplements, as they can accelerate iron mobilization and cause fatal cardiac complications 1, 6
If vitamin C is medically necessary for patients with iron overload, the dose should be limited to 500 mg per day after physician consultation 6

A daily intake of 40-45 mg of vitamin C is sufficient to prevent scurvy, but does not achieve tissue adequacy or optimal health 2, 3, 1
A daily intake of 75-110 mg of vitamin C is recommended for tissue saturation and antioxidant protection 2, 3, 1

Oral absorption of vitamin C is limited at higher doses due to saturation of intestinal transporters, and doses above 200 mg have progressively lower absorption 1
Tea consumption with meals can interfere with iron absorption and should be avoided if iron deficiency is a concern 4