The story of vitamin C megadoses is being heard a lot again in Korea these days.

When I talk to my parents in Korea, I often hear them say, "I've been taking a lot of vitamin C because I'm so tired these days." 

I naturally became interested in this trend and looked for information and heard many examples from those around me.

First, I think the reason megadoses are gaining attention again is that most people are living in a state of chronic fatigue.

The method of taking vitamin C, which usually has a recommended daily intake of around 100mg, at 2,000mg, and sometimes even over 5,000mg, is what we call a megadose. After taking such high doses, people have been sharing on social media that "waking up in the morning feels different," "I catch fewer colds," and "my skin has cleared up," which has contributed to the resurgence of interest.

The more stress one has, the higher the cortisol levels in the body, and oxidative stress increases. Vitamin C's strong antioxidant properties help alleviate this process to some extent, which aligns well with modern people's needs for managing their condition.

The three main benefits that people who take megadoses mention are:

First is recovery from fatigue and immune support. Vitamin C helps white blood cell function, so many people feel that taking high doses when they have cold symptoms alleviates them or shortens recovery time.

Second is skin and collagen. Vitamin C is an essential component in the collagen synthesis process, so consistently taking high doses often leads to improved complexion and firmer skin.

Third is the antioxidant effect. It helps reduce free radicals, preventing cell damage, and people often express that they feel like their accumulated fatigue and signs of aging are being cleared away.

However, it is important to know the realistic guidelines for taking it. Vitamin C is water-soluble and relatively safe, but taking it in large amounts without thought is not necessarily good. People with sensitive stomachs may experience stomach pain or gastrointestinal issues if taken on an empty stomach, so it is more comfortable to take it during or after meals with water.

Additionally, side effects like diarrhea and abdominal bloating can occur for some individuals, so it is necessary to find the right dosage for one's body. Above all, if there is a history of kidney stones or a family history, it is safest to consult with a healthcare professional before deciding on high-dose vitamin C intake, as the oxalates produced during metabolism can put a burden on the kidneys for some people.

Absorption issues are also frequently mentioned. The absorption rate of vitamin C decreases when taken in large amounts at once, so dividing the doses is generally more effective. Recently, products that claim to enhance absorption, such as liposomal forms, have emerged, but whether these products are suitable for an individual depends on their digestive function and constitution, so it cannot be said that the latest products are always the answer.

In conclusion, while many people benefit from vitamin C megadoses, it is not a universal remedy for everyone. Especially if one intends to take high doses for an extended period, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to determine the appropriate dosage and method based on individual health conditions.