Can vitamin C cause weight gain 2024?

As a health and nutrition expert, I've spent considerable time studying the relationship between diet and weight management. It's a common concern among individuals looking to maintain or improve their physique. One such nutrient that often comes up in these discussions is vitamin C.

Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the immune system, skin health, and collagen production. It's also an antioxidant, which means it helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Now, addressing the question of whether vitamin C can cause weight gain, it's important to clarify that weight gain is typically the result of an excess of calorie intake over expenditure. Vitamin C itself is not a calorie-dense nutrient; in fact, it contains no calories and therefore does not directly contribute to weight gain.

However, the relationship between vitamin C and weight is more nuanced. As mentioned in the provided reference, there is a correlation between vitamin C and body weight. This doesn't imply causation but suggests that individuals with higher body fat may have different vitamin C requirements or absorption rates.

The review authors also highlight an interesting point regarding the role of vitamin C in body fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise. This suggests that sufficient vitamin C intake could potentially enhance the body's ability to burn fat as fuel during workouts, which could indirectly support weight and body fat loss efforts.

It's also worth noting that vitamin C deficiency could have broader implications for weight management. A deficiency might impair the metabolism and the body's ability to utilize and oxidize fat, which could theoretically hinder weight loss efforts. However, it's important to emphasize that this does not mean taking more vitamin C will cause weight loss. The body's response to nutrients is complex and multifactorial.

In conclusion, while vitamin C does not inherently cause weight gain, its role in metabolic processes and its potential to enhance fat oxidation during exercise suggest that it could play a supportive role in weight management when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist to understand how vitamin C fits into an individual's specific dietary needs and weight management goals.

Although vitamin C doesn't necessarily cause weight loss, it seems to be related to body weight. ... The authors of this review also point out that getting sufficient amounts of vitamin C increases body fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise. Therefore, vitamin C deficiency may hinder weight and body fat loss.Jul 18, 2017