A Man Ate 100 Zinc Vitamin C Gummies Everyday. This Is What Happened To His Spinal Cord.

Summary

GC, a 55-year-old man, suffers severe health consequences after over-consuming zinc and vitamin C supplements, including kidney failure and nerve damage. Initially, GC ignored health advice, but after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, he turned to excessive vitamin supplements to boost his immune system. Despite the promise of immunity, his unhealthy habits led to a copper deficiency, damaging his spinal cord and causing further neurological issues. Doctors treated his condition with copper supplements, and with time, GC’s health improved. This cautionary tale warns against self-medication and excessive supplementation, emphasizing moderation for overall well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Excessive supplementation, even with common vitamins like Zinc and Vitamin C, can lead to serious health problems like nerve damage and kidney failure.
• 😀 GC’s history of gastric bypass surgery made him more vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies, particularly Vitamin B12, Zinc, and Copper.
• 😀 Zinc and Vitamin C supplements were initially promoted as immune boosters, but consuming them in large quantities can cause harm, especially in people with nutrient absorption issues.
• 😀 GC ignored early warning signs of health problems, such as numbness in his hands and feet, until it was too late.
• 😀 After taking large amounts of Zinc Vitamin C gummies, GC developed macrocytosis (large red blood cells), a sign of nutrient imbalance and nerve damage.
• 😀 Overconsumption of Vitamin C can lead to kidney damage due to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which can block kidney function.
• 😀 Zinc interferes with Copper absorption in the body, leading to Copper deficiency, which is critical for proper nerve and brain function.
• 😀 Doctors initially misdiagnosed GC’s condition as a Vitamin B12 deficiency, but further testing revealed that the problem was a Copper deficiency caused by excessive Zinc intake.
• 😀 While Zinc and Vitamin C supplements are important in moderation, too much can cause neurological damage and impair essential bodily functions.
• 😀 It’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals before making drastic changes to your diet or supplement regimen to avoid self-medication risks and potential health issues.

Q & A

Why did GC start taking Zinc and Vitamin C supplements?

GC began taking Zinc and Vitamin C supplements after catching the flu, believing that they were the best way to boost his immune system, especially after learning from online forums that these supplements could prevent illnesses.

What did GC mistakenly believe about taking large amounts of Vitamin C and Zinc?

GC believed that it was impossible to take too much Vitamin C and Zinc because they are water-soluble, meaning any excess would simply be excreted through urine, which he thought would prevent any harm.

What role did gastric bypass surgery play in GC's health issues?

GC's gastric bypass surgery led to nutrient absorption issues, particularly in vitamins and minerals, making him more susceptible to deficiencies, such as Vitamin B12, which contributed to his health complications.

What were the initial signs that GC was having health problems related to his supplementation?

GC started feeling numbness in his hands and feet, experiencing intense pins and needles, losing his sense of taste, and experiencing side pain. These symptoms worsened over time, eventually leading to a fall that revealed a broken hip.

What did the doctors discover about GC's red blood cells and spinal cord?

The doctors found that GC's red blood cells were larger than normal (macrocytosis), and his reflexes and sensory functions were impaired, suggesting nerve damage that pointed to a possible issue with his spinal cord, likely due to a vitamin deficiency.

Why did doctors suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency in GC initially?

Doctors initially suspected a Vitamin B12 deficiency because GC's symptoms, such as numbness and spinal issues, were similar to those caused by a lack of Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function.

What was the actual cause of GC's neurological problems?

The actual cause of GC's neurological problems was a copper deficiency, which occurred because excessive zinc intake from supplements blocked copper absorption in his body, leading to nerve degeneration.

How did excessive Zinc intake affect GC's copper levels?

Excessive Zinc intake prompted the production of metallothioneins in the body, which bound to copper, preventing its absorption and causing a copper deficiency, ultimately leading to neurological issues in GC.

What specific damage did GC experience due to copper deficiency?

Due to copper deficiency, GC's nerves began to degenerate, which caused symptoms like pins and needles in his hands and feet, difficulty walking, and eventual spinal cord degeneration.

How did GC's kidney failure relate to his Vitamin C and Zinc intake?

GC's excessive Vitamin C intake led to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which caused kidney failure. This occurred because Vitamin C is metabolized into oxalate, which can bind with calcium and form kidney stones.