Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Researches
6.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
1 g (1,000 mg)
1,111%
Rose Hips Powder (Rosa canina) (Fruit)
25 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
25 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

We examined the relationship between vitamin C intake and the risk of developing kidney stones in a large cohort. This study included a significant number of participants: 156,735 women from the Nurses' Health Studies and 40,536 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Our findings revealed that total and supplemental vitamin C intake was linked to a higher risk of kidney stones in men, but there was no such association evident in women. Specifically, among men, those who consumed higher amounts of vitamin C had greater likelihoods of developing stones when compared to those with lower intakes.

However, dietary vitamin C did not show a connection with kidney stones in either men or women. This suggests that while supplements may pose risks for men, dietary sources of vitamin C might not have the same impact. Overall, the study indicates that we should be cautious about high vitamin C supplement consumption, especially for men, while highlighting that dietary intake appears safe.
Read More
9.5
No connection between IVC and stones
We set out to investigate whether high doses of intravenous vitamin C (IVC) could influence the formation of kidney stones. Our study involved 157 adult patients receiving IVC therapy at Integrated Health Options clinic over a 12-month period.

Throughout the study, we conducted regular check-ins with patients, specifically asking about any kidney stones they might have experienced, along with monitoring their renal function through blood tests. Despite some patients having a prior history of kidney stones, we found that none reported developing new stones during the study.

Interestingly, we also noted that the majority of participants showed stable renal function, as indicated by consistent serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). In summary, our findings suggest that IVC therapy does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
Read More
8
Vitamin C may reduce kidney stones
We explored the dietary habits of individuals from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to see how certain foods might influence kidney stone formation.

Our focus was particularly on vitamin C and its potential role in preventing these painful stones. We looked at a diverse group of nearly 17,000 people, analyzing their dietary intake alongside their kidney health over a span of several years.

Interestingly, our findings highlighted a connection between higher vitamin C intake and reduced kidney stone risk. Specifically, we noted that individuals consuming 60 to 110 mg of vitamin C daily had a lower chance of forming stones, with an even greater protective effect observed in those exceeding that amount.

While we didn't find significant associations with many other dietary elements, our results suggest that increasing vitamin C intake might be beneficial. This points towards a need for further research on how vitamin C and other dietary factors interact in the context of kidney stone prevention.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
No kidney stones
This is my recommended brand for quality and ingredients (Rosehips)/sources for vitamin C. I have taken 2000-4000 mg/day for over 40 years and have had no issues with my kidneys or kidney stones, nor did Linus Pauling who took even more. He inspired me to use Vitamin C supplements back in the 70s. My bowel tolerance is about 16 grams, and I increase my intake of vitamin C whenever I feel sniffles or a tickle in my throat. Taking it four times a day is more cost-effective than Liposomal C. Some people prefer it buffered, which I never did. I haven’t had the flu or a cold for over 72 hours in decades, and I don’t use any vaccines. I maintain a robust immune system and rarely get sick.
Read More
8.8
Prevents kidney stones
I don't take megadoses, but I drink a lot of water and take one tablet a day to prevent kidney stones.
Read More
8.8
Kidneys well-treated
I initially took it on friends' recommendations and found it very satisfactory. The quality is good, and I found the ingredients appealing. It helps maintain health and boosts immunity, particularly during the colder months. I appreciated how well the composition suited my not-so-healthy kidneys. The package size is also great for a large family. The dosage of 1000 mg for adults is convenient and does not upset stomach acidity.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 8 Researches
6.9
  • All Researches
9.5
No connection between IVC and stones
We set out to investigate whether high doses of intravenous vitamin C (IVC) could influence the formation of kidney stones. Our study involved 157 adult patients receiving IVC therapy at Integrated Health Options clinic over a 12-month period.

Throughout the study, we conducted regular check-ins with patients, specifically asking about any kidney stones they might have experienced, along with monitoring their renal function through blood tests. Despite some patients having a prior history of kidney stones, we found that none reported developing new stones during the study.

Interestingly, we also noted that the majority of participants showed stable renal function, as indicated by consistent serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). In summary, our findings suggest that IVC therapy does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
Read More
8
CDAI may reduce kidney stones
We examined the relationship between dietary antioxidant intake, particularly vitamin C, and the risk of developing kidney stones. Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we found that individuals with higher levels of antioxidants, as indicated by the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), had lower odds of forming kidney stones.

Stone formers, those who have experienced kidney stones, typically had a lower CDAI, showcasing significant differences based on gender. An interesting aspect of our findings was that vitamin C stood out as having the strongest negative correlation with kidney stones, suggesting that increased intake may be beneficial.

The results indicated that those in moderate and high CDAI groups had reduced odds of experiencing kidney stones compared to the lowest group. This was reflected in the odds ratios, which showed a significant decrease for those with higher antioxidant consumption. Therefore, it seems that a diet rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, could play a role in lowering kidney stone risks.

However, while our findings are promising, we emphasize the need for more in-depth cohort studies to further investigate this potential connection and confirm its causal nature.
Read More
8
Vitamin C may reduce kidney stones
We explored the dietary habits of individuals from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to see how certain foods might influence kidney stone formation.

Our focus was particularly on vitamin C and its potential role in preventing these painful stones. We looked at a diverse group of nearly 17,000 people, analyzing their dietary intake alongside their kidney health over a span of several years.

Interestingly, our findings highlighted a connection between higher vitamin C intake and reduced kidney stone risk. Specifically, we noted that individuals consuming 60 to 110 mg of vitamin C daily had a lower chance of forming stones, with an even greater protective effect observed in those exceeding that amount.

While we didn't find significant associations with many other dietary elements, our results suggest that increasing vitamin C intake might be beneficial. This points towards a need for further research on how vitamin C and other dietary factors interact in the context of kidney stone prevention.
Read More
8
Vitamin C formulation lowers oxalate
We examined how different forms of vitamin C affect kidney stones, specifically looking at hyperoxaluria, a key risk factor for stone formation. In our study, conducted as a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, we compared the effects of traditional ascorbic acid with a formulation containing vitamin C and metabolites, known as Ester-C.

Our findings revealed that Ester-C significantly lowered urine oxalate levels compared to regular ascorbic acid. This is exciting because higher oxalate levels in urine can lead to kidney stones, and finding a formulation that mitigates this risk is important.

Although this study presents promising results, it's essential to note that further evaluation is necessary to fully understand these findings. We believe this is a novel insight into the potential of vitamin C to help prevent kidney stones, and we look forward to additional research in this area.
Read More
7
Vitamin C's complex impact revealed
We sought to understand how varying levels of vitamin C, among other vitamins, affect the prevalence of kidney stones. Our research relied on comprehensive data from NHANES, which allowed us to evaluate the relationships between nine common vitamins and kidney stone conditions.

Through logistic regression and detailed cluster analysis, we discovered that high vitamin C intake can have a complex impact. While individuals with very high vitamin B6 and D levels showed a decrease in kidney stone issues, vitamin C presented a different picture. Initially, as vitamin C intake increased, the risk for kidney stones seemed to drop. However, after a certain threshold, that benefit waned, and we observed a potential increase in risk instead.

This means that while vitamin C can be beneficial in moderation, too much might not be the best for kidney health. Furthermore, we found that when combined with other vitamins, particularly in specific patterns, the protective effects against kidney stones enhanced, suggesting that overall dietary balance is crucial.

Our findings shed light on a nuanced relationship between vitamin C and kidney stones, emphasizing the importance of considering not just individual vitamins, but how they work together.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.7
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
No kidney stones
This is my recommended brand for quality and ingredients (Rosehips)/sources for vitamin C. I have taken 2000-4000 mg/day for over 40 years and have had no issues with my kidneys or kidney stones, nor did Linus Pauling who took even more. He inspired me to use Vitamin C supplements back in the 70s. My bowel tolerance is about 16 grams, and I increase my intake of vitamin C whenever I feel sniffles or a tickle in my throat. Taking it four times a day is more cost-effective than Liposomal C. Some people prefer it buffered, which I never did. I haven’t had the flu or a cold for over 72 hours in decades, and I don’t use any vaccines. I maintain a robust immune system and rarely get sick.
Read More
8.8
Prevents kidney stones
I don't take megadoses, but I drink a lot of water and take one tablet a day to prevent kidney stones.
Read More
8.8
Kidneys well-treated
I initially took it on friends' recommendations and found it very satisfactory. The quality is good, and I found the ingredients appealing. It helps maintain health and boosts immunity, particularly during the colder months. I appreciated how well the composition suited my not-so-healthy kidneys. The package size is also great for a large family. The dosage of 1000 mg for adults is convenient and does not upset stomach acidity.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. While they can vary in size from tiny particles to large stones, they all begin as crystallized substances that develop when urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in your urine can dilute. When the crystals stick together, they can form stones, which may cause severe pain, especially when they pass through the urinary tract. Common types of kidney stones include calcium stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones.

The symptoms of kidney stones can include sharp pain in the side and back, pain during urination, pink or red urine, and frequent urination. Various factors can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, including dehydration, certain dietary choices, and genetic predisposition. Preventing kidney stones often involves drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive salt and animal protein, and ensuring a balanced intake of calcium. For those who suffer from kidney stones, a medical evaluation may be necessary to determine the best management and preventive strategies.

Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions, including the synthesis of collagen, the absorption of iron, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers, it serves as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals. Given that the human body cannot synthesize ascorbic acid on its own, it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

In addition to its fundamental role in supporting overall health, ascorbic acid has garnered interest for its potential benefits in skincare and wound healing. Topical applications of vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture, making it a popular ingredient in various cosmetic formulations. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the body's ability to repair tissues and produce important neurotransmitters. For those looking to boost their vitamin C intake, incorporating a variety of vitamin C-rich foods into your diet or considering a supplement can be effective strategies.

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, has been studied for its potential effects on kidney stones, but the results are not definitive. Some research suggests that high levels of vitamin C can lead to increased oxalate levels in urine, which could potentially raise the risk of forming certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones. However, moderate vitamin C intake through food sources generally does not pose a risk and can have other health benefits, such as enhancing immune function and acting as an antioxidant.

If you are concerned about kidney stones, it is essential to focus on a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating foods rich in magnesium, potassium, and fiber while limiting excessive oxalate-rich substances might be beneficial. As always, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your health history and specific needs.

The role of vitamin C in the context of kidney stones has been the subject of various studies, suggesting both benefits and risks, which need to be carefully considered. Research indicates that higher dietary intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of developing kidney stones. A study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that individuals consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C (60 to 110 mg daily) experienced a lower likelihood of stone formation [3]. However, caution is observed in the context of supplementation; another study indicates that men who take vitamin C supplements in higher doses may actually face a higher risk of kidney stones [4].

Moreover, while vitamin C might have a protective effect when consumed from dietary sources, it has been shown that excessive amounts, especially from supplements, could increase risks for particular demographics. For instance, men displayed a significant correlation between higher vitamin C intakes and stone risk, while no such association was found for women [6]. Overall, while increased dietary vitamin C might be beneficial for kidney stone prevention, the potential risks from high-dose supplements highlight the need for further research to establish dosage guidelines that won't compromise kidney health.

Users report mixed experiences when combining this supplement with other supplements, particularly concerning kidney stone formation. Some users have noted adverse effects on their kidney health, claiming that high doses of vitamin C contributed to the development of kidney stones. For instance, one reviewer shared that they experienced kidney stones after taking large dosages, emphasizing the importance of monitoring vitamin C intake (Read Review). Another user indicated that they had issues like hematuria and kidney stones, further highlighting the potential risks (Read Review).

Moreover, some reviewers have taken proactive measures to mitigate these risks by adjusting their supplement regimen. One user began dividing capsules to reduce their vitamin C intake due to the possibility of excess contributing to kidney stones (Read Review). While others acknowledged the beneficial effects of ascorbic acid, they still warned that it could settle in the kidneys and lead to the formation of stones (Read Review). Overall, it seems that users advise caution and moderation when incorporating this supplement alongside others, especially for those with a history of kidney issues.

According to current research, the optimal dose of Vitamin C for potentially reducing the risk of kidney stones appears to lie within the range of 60 to 110 mg daily. This dosage was associated with lower chances of stone formation among participants in a comprehensive study involving nearly 17,000 individuals [3]. Interestingly, the protective effects seem to increase with intake beyond this threshold, although caution is advised as excessively high doses may reverse these benefits, as other studies indicate a more complex relationship where high vitamin C intake could heighten the risk if it exceeds certain limits [2].

It’s worth noting that the relationship between vitamin C and kidney stones differs between genders; while higher intakes of dietary Vitamin C do not pose a significant risk to women, men may experience elevated risks with the use of supplements, particularly at doses ranging from 250 to 1499 mg per day [4]. Therefore, for men considering supplementation, moderation is key, keeping in mind the overall dietary balance of vitamins [6]. For anyone at risk of kidney stones, consulting with a healthcare professional before increasing Vitamin C intake is advisable to tailor a plan that best supports kidney health.

8
Vitamin C may reduce kidney stones
We explored the dietary habits of individuals from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to see how certain foods might influence kidney stone formation.

Our focus was particularly on vitamin C and its potential role in preventing these painful stones. We looked at a diverse group of nearly 17,000 people, analyzing their dietary intake alongside their kidney health over a span of several years.

Interestingly, our findings highlighted a connection between higher vitamin C intake and reduced kidney stone risk. Specifically, we noted that individuals consuming 60 to 110 mg of vitamin C daily had a lower chance of forming stones, with an even greater protective effect observed in those exceeding that amount.

While we didn't find significant associations with many other dietary elements, our results suggest that increasing vitamin C intake might be beneficial. This points towards a need for further research on how vitamin C and other dietary factors interact in the context of kidney stone prevention.
4
Vitamin C linked to kidney stones
We explored the controversial relationship between vitamin C supplements, specifically ascorbic acid, and the risk of kidney stones. Our investigation included a systematic review of multiple studies up until March 2017 that looked at both men and women regarding their use of these supplements.

The findings revealed that men who took vitamin C supplements had a notably higher incidence of kidney stones compared to women. For instance, the analysis showed an increased risk in men with doses between 250 to 1499 mg per day, though higher doses (500 mg and above) did not significantly affect risk levels. Interestingly, women did not show any correlation between vitamin C intake and kidney stone formation at any dosage level examined.

Ultimately, our review suggests that while vitamin C may enhance kidney stone risk in men, it does not appear to affect women in the same way. Given these observations, more research is needed—specifically long-term studies and randomized controlled trials—to confirm these outcomes and enhance our understanding of vitamin C's role in kidney stone formation.
We examined the relationship between vitamin C intake and the risk of developing kidney stones in a large cohort. This study included a significant number of participants: 156,735 women from the Nurses' Health Studies and 40,536 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Our findings revealed that total and supplemental vitamin C intake was linked to a higher risk of kidney stones in men, but there was no such association evident in women. Specifically, among men, those who consumed higher amounts of vitamin C had greater likelihoods of developing stones when compared to those with lower intakes.

However, dietary vitamin C did not show a connection with kidney stones in either men or women. This suggests that while supplements may pose risks for men, dietary sources of vitamin C might not have the same impact. Overall, the study indicates that we should be cautious about high vitamin C supplement consumption, especially for men, while highlighting that dietary intake appears safe.
7
Vitamin C's complex impact revealed
We sought to understand how varying levels of vitamin C, among other vitamins, affect the prevalence of kidney stones. Our research relied on comprehensive data from NHANES, which allowed us to evaluate the relationships between nine common vitamins and kidney stone conditions.

Through logistic regression and detailed cluster analysis, we discovered that high vitamin C intake can have a complex impact. While individuals with very high vitamin B6 and D levels showed a decrease in kidney stone issues, vitamin C presented a different picture. Initially, as vitamin C intake increased, the risk for kidney stones seemed to drop. However, after a certain threshold, that benefit waned, and we observed a potential increase in risk instead.

This means that while vitamin C can be beneficial in moderation, too much might not be the best for kidney health. Furthermore, we found that when combined with other vitamins, particularly in specific patterns, the protective effects against kidney stones enhanced, suggesting that overall dietary balance is crucial.

Our findings shed light on a nuanced relationship between vitamin C and kidney stones, emphasizing the importance of considering not just individual vitamins, but how they work together.

References

  1. Huang A, Huang W, Ye Y, Liu L, Wang H, et al. High composite dietary antioxidant index is associated with reduced risk of kidney stones: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2007-2020. Nutr Res. 2024;128:60. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2024.06.006
  2. Zeng H, Liu Z, He Y, Chen H, He J, et al. Multivitamins co-intake can reduce the prevalence of kidney stones: a large-scale cross-sectional study. Int Urol Nephrol. 2024;56:2991. doi:10.1007/s11255-024-04021-9
  3. Liu Kot K, Labagnara K, Kim JI, Loloi J, Gupta K, et al. Evaluating the American Urologic Association (AUA) dietary recommendations for kidney stone management using the National Health And Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). Urolithiasis. 2023;51:60. doi:10.1007/s00240-023-01423-9
  4. Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, et al. Ascorbic Acid Supplements and Kidney Stones Incidence Among Men and Women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16:115. doi:10.22037/uj.v0i0.4275
  5. Prier M, Carr AC, Baillie N. No Reported Renal Stones with Intravenous Vitamin C Administration: A Prospective Case Series Study. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7. doi:10.3390/antiox7050068
  6. Ferraro PM, Curhan GC, Gambaro G, Taylor EN. Total, Dietary, and Supplemental Vitamin C Intake and Risk of Incident Kidney Stones. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016;67:400. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.09.005
  7. Modi J, Modi P, Pal B, Bansal J, Kumar S, et al. Role of Vitamin C and E supplementation in reduction of serum level of renal injury marker following shock wave lithotripsy: Prospective single centre experience. Urol Ann. 2015;7:350. doi:10.4103/0974-7796.156143
  8. Moyad MA, Combs MA, Crowley DC, Baisley JE, Sharma P, et al. Vitamin C with metabolites reduce oxalate levels compared to ascorbic acid: a preliminary and novel clinical urologic finding. Urol Nurs. 2009;29:95.
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