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Symptoms: At doses of over 3g per day unabsorbed ascorbic acid is mainly excreted unmetabolised in the faeces. Absorbed ascorbic acid additional to the body's needs is rapidly eliminated. Large doses of ascorbic acid may cause diarrhoea and the formation of renal oxalate calculi. Symptomatic treatment may be required.
Ascorbic acid may cause acidosis or haemolytic anaemia in certain individuals with a deficiency of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Renal failure can occur with massive ascorbic acid overdosage.
Management: Gastric lavage may be given if ingestion is recent otherwise general supportive measure should be employed as required.
