Mega-dose vitamin C: is it harmful to the liver? biochemical and histological study in rats

ABSTRACT

To investigate if mega-doses of vitamin C would have deleterious effects on the liver in an animal model. A mega-dose of vitamin C [1000 mg/kg/day] was administered by oral gavage to male Wistar rats for 60 days. Both biochemical and histopathological measures were undertaken. The results showed that a mega-dose of vitamin C significantly elevated lipid peroxidation and transaminase activity level in addition to the significant suppression of antioxidant enzymes activities. These results were consistent with the presence of histological lesions. A mega-dose of vitamin C is not safe and can cause liver injury