Does Vitamin C Get You High? Facts on Megadoses, Mood Effects & Safer Alternatives

Does Vitamin C Get You High? The Facts About Vitamin C And Euphoria

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of health. It is well-known for its ability to boost immunity and act as an antioxidant. Some people claim that high doses of vitamin C can also cause a feeling of euphoria.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C are not stored in the body. Instead, any excess is excreted in the urine.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 75-90 mg per day for adults. Many people take much higher doses in an effort to attain health benefits. Vitamin C supplements are available in doses ranging from 250 mg to over 1000 mg.

What Does The Research Say About Vitamin C And Euphoria?

There is limited scientific research on whether high dose vitamin C can induce feelings of euphoria or a "high". However, some studies provide clues about this phenomenon.

One study published in 2006 looked at vitamin C metabolism in healthy young adults. Participants received either 200 mg or 3000 mg of vitamin C. The high dose group excreted more vitamin C and had lower vitamin C plasma and tissue levels after 4 hours compared to the low dose group.

Interestingly, the high dose group reported feeling unusually energetic, whereas the low dose group reported no subjective differences. This suggests that high doses of vitamin C may have psychological effects in some individuals.

Another study found that giving schizophrenic patients 1000 mg of vitamin C twice daily for 4 weeks decreased their levels of anxiety and depression. These patients did not experience side effects, indicating the vitamin C was well-tolerated.

While not definitive evidence, these studies imply that megadoses of vitamin C could potentially affect mood.

Why Might Vitamin C Cause Euphoria?

There are a few reasons why high dose vitamin C may cause feelings of energy, euphoria, or even a "high":

• Vitamin C plays roles in hormone and neurotransmitter synthesis. It is needed to make dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that regulate mood.
• Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. This may improve brain function and mental health.
• Megadoses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, which some speculate releases endorphins that improve mood.
• High blood levels of vitamin C may have direct drug-like effects in the brain at doses over 1000 mg.

Are There Any Risks With Taking High Doses Of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is water soluble and any excess is excreted from the body. Therefore, it is considered relatively safe at high doses.

However, some potential side effects can occur with vitamin C megadoses over 2000 mg per day. These include:

• Digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, cramps, and bloating
• Kidney stones
• Rebound scurvy - Scurvy is unlikely with doses under 200 mg but can occur if high doses are suddenly stopped
• Increased iron absorption leading to iron overload
• Interference with laboratory tests

High dose vitamin C supplements can also interact with some medications. These include:

• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Metformin
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Barbiturates
• Birth control pills

Always consult your physician before taking vitamin C supplements, especially at doses over 2000 mg per day.

Can Other Supplements Cause Euphoria?

While evidence is lacking about vitamin C supplements causing euphoria or a high, some other supplements are thought to have mood-elevating effects:

• St. John's Wort - This herbal supplement is commonly used to treat depression. How it works is unclear but it may boost serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters.
• SAMe - SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine) is involved in producing dopamine and serotonin. Supplements may help improve depressive symptoms.
• 5-HTP - 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) boosts serotonin production in the brain. It is converted from tryptophan and has antidepressant and mood enhancing properties.
• Alpha-GPC - Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is a cholinergic compound that may heighten focus, motivation, and mood.
• GABA - GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that inhibits excitability. It has anti-anxiety and calming effects.
• Rhodiola rosea - This adaptogenic herb may help the body deal with physical and emotional stress. It is thought to boost mood and reduce fatigue.
• L-theanine - L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea. It affects alpha brain waves to induce relaxation without drowsiness.

Who Should Consider Taking High Doses Of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C megadoses may benefit some people more than others. Those who may want to try high dose vitamin C include:

• People with psychiatric disorders - Studies show vitamin C may improve mood in schizophrenic patients. It may also help treat depression and anxiety in some cases.
• Those with chronic infections - Vitamin C improves immunity and people with TB, malaria, and HIV may need higher intakes.
• Cancer patients - Vitamin C may enhance quality of life and symptom management for cancer patients.
• Elderly individuals - Older adults are more vulnerable to vitamin C deficiency so supplementing is beneficial.
• Smokers - Smoking depletes vitamin C reserves so smokers have higher requirements.
• People with burns or trauma - Stress rapidly depletes vitamin C levels so replacing it helps wound healing and recovery.
• Athletes - Strenuous exercise increases oxidative stress and vitamin C needs. Megadoses may improve performance.

Of course, anyone interested in the potential mood-boosting effects of vitamin C may want to try a high dose supplement. Just be aware of the possible side effects and watch for any changes in mood or energy levels.

Are There Better And Safer Options For Euphoria?

While vitamin C is generally considered safe at high doses, there may be better and safer options for achieving euphoria and boosting mood.

Here are some alternatives:

• Light therapy - Exposure to bright light can increase serotonin and dopamine to elevate mood.
• Exercise - Working out releases feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters for better wellbeing.
• Meditation - Meditating can induce a relaxed, happy, and peaceful state of mind.
• Positive psychology - Activities that build positive emotions like optimism, happiness, and motivation can improve mood.
• Aerobic activity - Any aerobic activity like walking, dancing, swimming that raises your heart rate can boost mood through endorphins.
• Talk therapy - Seeing a therapist and working through emotional issues can help manage depression or anxiety.
• Aromatherapy - Scents like lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang have anti-anxiety benefits.
• Good sleep hygiene - Getting enough quality sleep regularly sustains positive mood and outlook.

Certain supplements like SAMe, 5-HTP, and St. John's Wort also have some evidence for elevating mood in a safer way than vitamin C megadoses. Of course, it is always best to consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements.

The Bottom Line

High dose vitamin C may potentially boost mood, energy, and euphoria in some individuals. This seems to occur at doses over 1000 mg per day.

However, there is limited evidence that vitamin C supplements can create a "high". While generally safe, megadoses can also cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and kidney stones.

It is unclear exactly how vitamin C may improve mood. Possible reasons include its roles in producing neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation, and inducing diarrhea.

Other supplements like St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, SAMe, and GABA have better documented euphoric and mood-enhancing effects. Additionally, healthier options like exercise, light therapy, and meditation can safely and naturally boost mood.

In most cases, vitamin C supplements should not be necessary for euphoria. But those interested in the effects of vitamin C megadoses can try taking 1000-2000 mg, split into multiple doses over the day. Make sure to monitor side effects and mood changes. And consult your physician before use, especially if taking any other medications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.