1. Putting Vitamin C effervescent tablets in water that is too hot
Water freshly dispensed from a water dispenser can be very hot. Putting in a Vitamin C effervescent tablet allows the water to cool down as it dissolves, which is a "time-saving trick" for many. In reality, although effervescent tablets are generally stable, Vitamin C can still experience some degradation when exposed to hot water above 80°C, as it is prone to oxidation and breakdown. Therefore, the best method is to use lukewarm water at around 40°C for dissolution.
2. Leaving it for too long
If your cup is large, one glass of effervescent Vitamin C might last you the whole morning. Prolonged exposure to the air will also degrade the Vitamin C. The amount of water used to dissolve the effervescent tablet does not significantly affect the absorption of Vitamin C. Therefore, it is recommended to use about 200ml of plain boiled or mineral water each time to finish it quickly, and it should be consumed immediately after preparation.
3. Mixing it with other beverages
Some people also use tea or other beverages to dissolve effervescent tablets, which can also pose potential safety hazards. This is because the common disintegrant in effervescent tablets is composed of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Components in tea, such as theophylline, can react chemically with Vitamin C or the disintegrant. Beverages often contain sodium benzoate, which can also react with Vitamin C to produce harmful substances, such as benzene.
It should be noted that long-term oral intake of high doses of Vitamin C can lead to more side effects in the body, which may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and other symptoms. It may also increase the risk of developing kidney stones and deep vein thrombosis. Individuals who have been taking large doses for a long time and suddenly stop may also experience symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency.