Do vitamins in oranges really last in your body?

Vitamin C from oranges doesn't stockpile in the body. Learn more about vitamin absorption and storage with multivitamins.

Do vitamins in oranges really last in your body?
Photo by Brooke Lark / Unsplash

The human body can absorb only a certain amount of vitamins.

For instance, vitamin C, the primary vitamin found in oranges, is water-soluble, meaning the body cannot store it.

Vitamin C Content in an Orange

An average-sized orange contains about 53mg of vitamin C, exceeding the daily recommended intake of 45mg.

Once ingested, the body absorbs as much vitamin C as it needs, and the excess is excreted through the kidneys.

Hence, the vitamins in an orange do not really 'last' in the traditional sense.

Long-Term Vitamin Consumption

If you've been consuming a diet lacking in vitamin C and then consume an orange, the vitamin C in the orange fulfills the body's immediate needs.

However, the body does not stockpile vitamins, so the effects will be relatively short-term and will not carry over for extended periods.

Multivitamins and Vitamin Storage

Some people may wonder if taking a multivitamin changes the body's ability to stockpile certain vitamins.

While multivitamins can contribute to meeting the body's vitamin requirements, it's important to note that the body's storage and absorption of vitamins largely remain the same.

It's essential to maintain a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to fulfill the body's daily vitamin needs.