How much vitamin c is ok for a child

What are the side effects and risks?

Vitamin C is usually safe to take even at high dosages. However, people may sometimes experience mild side effects, such as digestive discomfort. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur.

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the human body. It is an antioxidant, and it helps with a range of important processes, including lowering blood pressure, fighting inflammation, and creating collagen.

In this article, we look at the recommended upper limits of vitamin C intake, possible side effects of taking too much, and other warnings.

Frequently eating foods high in vitamin C should not lead to any health issues. Taking too much vitamin C through supplements can, however, cause side effects.

In adults, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C is 90 milligrams (mg) for males and 75 mg for females.

Adults who take more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day may experience side effects.

When a person takes more than the recommended limit of vitamin C, they may experience mild digestive disturbances. These can occur if the vitamin C that the body does not absorb irritates the gastrointestinal tract.

Common mild side effects of too much vitamin C include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach cramping
• bloating
• general abdominal discomfort

The body does not absorb all of the vitamin C that it gets from supplements.

For example, if a person takes 30–180 mg of vitamin C each day, their body absorbs about 70–90% of this vitamin. If a person takes more than 1 gram (g) of vitamin C per day, the body absorbs less than 50% of the vitamin, which reduces the risk of negative side effects. The excess leaves the body in the urine.

As vitamin C can cause unpleasant symptoms if a person takes too much, the Food and Nutrition Board have established “tolerable upper intake levels.”

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), the upper limit for vitamin C intake in people aged 19 years and over is 2,000 mg in males and females. The limit remains the same for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The upper daily vitamin C levels for children and infants are as follows:

• 400 mg for infants aged 1–3 years
• 650 mg for children aged 4–8 years
• 1,200 mg for children aged 9–13 years
• 1,800 mg for teenagers aged 14–18 years
• 1,800 mg in pregnant or breastfeeding teenagers aged 14–18 years

There are exceptions to these limits, which only apply if a person’s doctor has not specified a different intake. Some people may have to take larger amounts of vitamin C for medical treatments.

Less commonly, people may experience severe side effects from taking too much vitamin C. Long term intake above the recommended levels increases the risk of these negative effects.

Possible health risks of taking too much vitamin C include:

Kidney stones

Share on PinterestKidney stones are a possible consequence of too much vitamin C supplementation.

Doctors believe that too much vitamin C supplementation could result in a person excreting the compounds oxalate and uric acid in their urine. These compounds could lead to kidney stone formation.

The authors of a case study in the journal Kidney Internationalreported that a woman developed kidney stones after taking 4 g or more of vitamin C each day for 4 months.

However, researchers have not conducted any larger scale studies on vitamin C intake and kidney stone formation. They do know that people who have a history of kidney stones are more likely to form them if they take large amounts of vitamin C, according to the ODS.

Nutrient imbalances

Another concern regarding excessive vitamin C intake is that it can impair the body’s ability to process other nutrients.

For example, vitamin C may reduce the levels of vitamin B-12 and copper in the body.

The presence of vitamin C can also enhance iron absorption in the body, which could lead to excessively high levels.

Cause bone spurs

According to the Arthritis Foundation, one study found that the presence of very high vitamin C levels in the body increased the likelihood of a person developing painful bone spurs.

However, the Foundation also cited a research study that found that people with low levels of vitamin C had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a painful inflammatory joint condition.

These findings emphasize the need for appropriate vitamin C supplementation that provides neither too much nor too little.

Impair the effectiveness of niacin-simvastatin

Evidence suggests that taking vitamin C supplements may impair the body’s ability to increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in people taking the combination drug niacin-simvastatin. This drug combines the vitamin niacin with the statin simvastatin (Zocor), and people take it to treat high cholesterol.

Doctors consider HDL cholesterol the “good” cholesterol because it reduces the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood.

If a person takes vitamin C supplements and niacin-simvastatin, they should talk to their doctor about ways to make each more effective. Doctors do not know whether vitamin C also affects the ability of other medicines similar to Zocor.

A person’s body cannot make vitamin C, so people need to eat enough foods that contain vitamin C to meet their daily needs. If someone is at risk of a vitamin C deficiency, they can take vitamin C supplements.

The ODS advise aiming for the following RDA of vitamin C each day:

People who smoke should take 35 mg more vitamin C per day than those who do not smoke.

During pregnancy or when breastfeeding, women should get the following levels of vitamin C per day:

• 14–18 years: 80 mg during pregnancy and 115 mg when breastfeeding
• 19 years and older: 85 mg during pregnancy and 120 mg when breastfeeding

There is not enough research to suggest an RDA for vitamin C in those younger than 1 year of age. As a result, the ODS provide an “adequate intake,” which is the amount that is likely to be sufficient:

• 40 mg for babies aged 0–6 months
• 50 mg for infants aged 7–12 months

Share on PinterestA pregnant woman may wish to take a vitamin C supplement if they have trouble getting enough from their diet.

Some doctors advocate women taking vitamin C supplements when pregnant.

A literature review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looked into the effects of vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy.

The authors examined 29 studies that included 24,300 pregnant women. There was insufficient evidence for them to conclude that vitamin C helped prevent problems during pregnancy, such as stillbirth, preterm birth, or preeclampsia.

However, pregnant women should try to get enough vitamin C through their daily diets when pregnant. Foods high in vitamin C include:

• broccoli
• kiwifruit
• oranges
• strawberries
• tomatoes

If a woman has trouble meeting her daily requirements, she should talk to her doctor about supplementation.

Vitamin C has potentially harmful side effects if a person takes too many supplements. Usually, a person will not experience side effects if they eat a lot of foods containing vitamin C.

If a person suspects that their vitamin C intake may be causing side effects, they should talk to their doctor.

How Much Vitamin C Do Kids Need to Stay Healthy? – Hiya Health

Parents do everything they can to keep their kids healthy. In addition to enforcing good hand washing habits, sleep schedules, and exercise, sufficient Vitamin C intake is another key element to helping your child stay healthy. As an adult, you probably know a little bit about Vitamin C, but you might not know exactly what it is, why it’s important, and exactly how much your kids might need. The good news is that you don’t have to be a doctor to learn how Vitamin C can promote good health for your child! With a little bit of research, knowledge, and assistance from things like supplements, you are able to easily ensure that your child has enough Vitamin C to stay healthy.  

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that our bodies need in order to function. However, because it is water-soluble, the human body is unable to produce or store it, which means that we need to obtain regular levels of this important vitamin on a daily basis from outside sources. In theory, Vitamin C is found in enough food sources that kids could get sufficient levels of it through diet alone. However, studies have shown that supplementing Vitamin C can have real benefits when it comes to the immune system and overall health, both in childhood development and well into the future. 

Why Is Vitamin C Important?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that provides a whole host of benefits to your body. Perhaps the thing that Vitamin C is most well-known for is its connection to the immune system. In a time when a strong immune system is more important than ever due to Coronavirus concerns, it’s vitally important to understand the relationship between Vitamin C and your kid’s body. Vitamin C helps the body to produce the white blood cells that are essential to a proper immune response. These white blood cells, called lymphocytes and phagocytes, help to identify “foreign” material in the body that could be potentially harmful, and destroying it as appropriate. Since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it helps protect these cells from harmful free radicals that can lead to oxidative stress. When the body is in oxidative stress, it can become inflamed and may be more susceptible to things like diabetes, asthma, and inflammatory disorders. So, not only does Vitamin C help the body produce white blood cells, it helps protect them too so that they can continue to do their job effectively! 

The benefits of Vitamin C also extend to your skin. The skin is actually a very important component in the immune system because it acts as a barrier between your body and the harmful germs trying to enter it from the outside. When you have weak skin or breaks in the skin from things like cuts or scrapes, these potentially harmful invaders are able to easily penetrate your skin, and have a chance to enter into your bloodstream. By ensuring that the skin is healthy thanks to Vitamin C's wound healing properties, you can prevent these germs from entering into the body in the first place.

Vitamin C can also help prevent iron deficiency and aid in the body’s absorption of iron. About 9% of toddlers in the United States are iron-deficient. Iron deficiency can lead to things like anemia, which is found in 3% of toddlers. Iron is a vital nutrient as it is needed for the production of red blood cells that transport oxygen all throughout the body. Kids who don’t eat meat, were born prematurely, orare overweight are particularly at risk for iron deficiency, although it can happen to any kid that isn’t getting enough iron from diet or supplements. If you are concerned that your child might be experiencing iron deficiency, here are some signs to look out for:

• Slowed growth and development
• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Low appetite
• Fast-paced breathing
• Cold hands and feet
• Continual infections

Iron deficiency can be diagnosed through a blood test given by your child’s pediatrician. Make sure to speak with them if you are concerned about your child’s iron levels so that this deficiency can be addressed appropriately. 

Even though your child is young now, parents always want to make sure that they are giving their child everything that they need in order to live long and healthy lives. Vitamin C can actually help you avoid certain illnesses and problems as you age--this is why it’s always a good idea to encourage good habits and health practices with your child when they are young so that they are more likely to continue them when they get older. Deficient Vitamin C levels have been connected to a variety of issues including problems with thinking and memory, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Overall, Vitamin C is involved in processes all over the body that not only keep your child healthy in the short-term but can also help promote their long-term health as well.

What Are the Best Sources of Vitamin C?

Perhaps one of the best things about Vitamin C is that it is naturally found in all sorts of yummy foods! Citrus fruits are a very popular source of Vitamin C, but what are some other sources?

• Guavas with 228 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
• Kiwis with 93 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
• Bell peppers with 128 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
• Strawberries with 59 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
• Papayas with 61 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
• Broccoli with 89 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
• Tomatoes with 23 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
• Grapefruits with 31 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams

How Much Vitamin C Do Kids Need?

Another great thing about Vitamin C is that it’s generally safe even at higher levels with little risk of overdose. That being said, there are still recommended dietary allowances for Vitamin C depending on your child’s age:

• For children ages 1-3, they need about 15 mg of Vitamin C per day
• For children ages 3-8, they need about 25 mg of Vitamin C per day
• For children ages 8-13, they need about 45 mg of Vitamin C per day
• For teenagers ages 14-18, they need about 75 mg of Vitamin C per day if they are male and 65 mg of Vitamin C per day if they are female

A popular claim about Vitamin C is related to the common cold: many people believe that consuming higher levels of Vitamin C can help prevent the common cold. Perhaps you always run to eat an orange whenever you feel a little tickle in your throat. However, after numerous studies on this subject, it’s been shown that taking a Vitamin C supplement does not prevent you from getting the common cold. If anything, it may lead to a shorter illness duration or milder symptoms, but this does not apply if you start increasing Vitamin C consumption after you already have a cold.  

It’s important to ensure that your child is getting enough Vitamin C to avoid Vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy. While scurvy is rare in children in the United States, it can occur if your child is unable to properly absorb Vitamin C. Some of the key symptoms of scurvy include bleeding gums, brown spots on the skin, muscle weakness and discomfort, and jaundice. All of this may seem scary, but there are plenty of ways to avoid this, including supplementing Vitamin C. 

Can You Supplement Vitamin C?

While it is definitely possible for your child to get enough Vitamin C from food sources alone, kids are notoriously picky eaters, so it might be a little bit challenging to ensure that they are getting sufficient levels of Vitamin C each and every day. In these situations, it may be worthwhile for you to consider a dietary supplement for your child. 

When it comes to supplementing Vitamin C for kids, the best way to do this is through a children’s multivitamin. Kids need more than just Vitamin C in order to grow and develop properly. In fact, they need upwards of 15 different vitamins and minerals on a daily basis to promote everything from eye health to better sleep. If this is all news to you, don’t worry--it’s not too late for you to introduce a kids’ multivitamin supplement that will ensure that your child gets everything they need. 

Trying to find the right multivitamin supplement for your kid might seem like an impossible task. Many vitamins claim to be healthy but instead include things like chemicals, fillers, and sugars that counteract the health benefits of the vitamin itself! To find a vitamin that is actually beneficial, look for one that is sugar-free, made from organic fruits and vegetables, and backed by the experts. Companies like Hiya have committed themselves to developing a quality children’s multivitamin by working with scientists and pediatricians. Contrary to their popularity, the best vitamins for kids aren’t gummies that include sugar, chemicals, and fillers, but instead are naturally-sweetened chewable vitamins that are healthy and tasty at the same time! 

properties and benefits, which products contain

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble organic compound, one of the main substances necessary for a person to maintain life. Vitamin C is not synthesized by the body, but comes only from the outside with food. A micronutrient deficiency can lead to the development of serious diseases, so it is important to monitor your diet to ensure that you are getting enough ascorbic acid.

Properties of vitamin C

Vitamin C was first isolated almost a hundred years ago, in 1928. Since then, scientists have conducted a huge amount of research that helped to establish the physicochemical properties of the micronutrient, find out its benefits for the human body and sources of intake.

Ascorbic acid is a white powdery substance with a sour taste and a neutral odor. It is highly soluble in water and alcohol, quickly destroyed at high and low temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet rays.

From a chemical point of view, vitamin C is an electron donor or reducing agent. It is precisely this ability of it that explains most of the physiological effects known to science ¹ . Entering into biological reactions, vitamin C acts as a coenzyme, promotes the regeneration of bone and connective tissue cells, acts as an antioxidant, helping the body fight free radicals.

Only L-ascorbic acid, which is called vitamin C or biological supplement E 300, is capable of participating in biochemical reactions. It does not accumulate in the body and is excreted by the kidneys. The compound is very unstable, easily destroyed during heat treatment and long-term storage, which often leads to its deficiency.

Physiological need for vitamin C

Currently, there is no accurate information on the need for vitamin C depending on body weight and data on the characteristics of its metabolism, which creates some difficulties in substantiating differentiated recommendations regarding micronutrient intake norms.

According to the methodological recommendations of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, the physiological need for vitamin C for adults is 100 mg / day, for children - from 30 to 90 mg/day ² . However, these are very average indicators, since in different periods of life and under different conditions, the need for a micronutrient changes.

So, per kilogram of body weight, the need for L-ascorbic acid in children is higher than in adults, which is explained by the rapid development of organs and structures of a growing organism. Women need higher doses of vitamin C during pregnancy and lactation.

Environmental conditions and the diet associated with them also have a great influence on the need for ascorbic acid. The greatest deficiency of vitamin C is experienced by residents of the Far North. Additional intake of ascorbic acid at low temperatures and a poor diet reduces the risk of developing meteoneurosis, accelerates acclimatization, and increases the body's resistance to infections.

The results of some studies indicate a possible relationship between vitamin C and the energy needs of the body, so the individual level of consumption of ascorbic acid is determined at the rate of 25 mg per 1000 kcal, for example:

• a man aged 20 to 40 who lives in an urban environment and performs mental work needs 2800 kcal and, accordingly, 70 mg of ascorbic acid per day;

• a worker of the same age, engaged in physical labor and living in the same conditions, requires 3700 kcal and 93 mg of vitamin C per day;

• a person whose activity is associated with heavy manual labor, other things being equal, needs at least 4500 kcal and 120 mg of ascorbic acid daily.

The need for vitamin C also increases during a cold, with chronic infectious processes, reduced immunity, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients.

Benefits for the body and consumption rates

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It protects cells and tissues of internal organs from damage, regulates redox processes, promotes the synthesis of collagen, procollagen, steroid and neurohormones, mediators, and participates in the metabolism of folic acid and iron. And this is not a complete list of the properties of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C performs a number of other equally important functions:

• regulates blood clotting;
• strengthens the vascular wall;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• reduces the body's sensitivity to allergens;
• strengthens the immune system;
• supports higher nervous activity;
• is involved in the breakdown of fats;
• accelerates the processes of tissue regeneration;
• prevents malignant transformation of cells ³ .

The debate about the exact amount of vitamin C that a person needs to maintain normal life is still ongoing, and scientists do not yet have a consensus on this matter. The minimum daily norms of ascorbic acid for people of different ages are presented in the table below.

The greatest need for vitamin C is experienced by children in the period of active growth, pregnant and lactating women, athletes, people involved in heavy physical labor, residents of the northern regions. The consumption of ascorbic acid increases with acute infections, oral contraceptives, during periods of severe stress. Vitamin C supplementation is recommended during this time to avoid micronutrient deficiencies.

Signs of vitamin C deficiency

A deficiency in the body of one or more vitamins is called hypovitaminosis, an acute shortage is called beriberi. Hypovitaminosis is accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of vitamin C, as evidenced by the following signs:

• bruising without injury;
• slow healing of wounds and abrasions;
• bleeding gums;
• dry skin;
• fragility of nails;
• hair loss;
• decreased immunity, frequent colds;
• pain in the joints;
• fast fatiguability;
• emotional instability;
• depressed mood.

Vitamin C deficiency is more often observed in the autumn-winter period. To some extent, this is due to a change in the diet, as well as the high activity of viruses, the fight against which the body consumes a large amount of micronutrient.

If symptoms of hypovitaminosis appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination. If the test results confirm a vitamin C deficiency, the specialist may prescribe supplements containing ascorbic acid.

Symptoms of vitamin C surplus

An excess of ascorbic acid is extremely rare, since the micronutrient does not accumulate in the body, it is easily excreted by the kidneys. However, uncontrolled intake of the vitamin can cause side effects:

• from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, intestinal cramps, diarrhea;

• from the nervous system: sleep disturbance, headache, dizziness;

• on the part of the immune system: allergic reactions in the form of a rash, itching, redness of the skin, swelling;

• from the urinary system: the appearance of kidney stones, back pain.

These symptoms can be dangerous to health, so when they appear, you should immediately stop taking ascorbic acid and seek medical help.

Features of taking vitamin C in various diseases and conditions

Despite the relative safety of ascorbic acid, vitamin C supplements for a number of diseases should be taken with caution and only with the permission of the attending physician, as it can enhance the effect of certain drugs and cause side effects. For example:

• Simultaneous intake of salicylic acid (aspirin) and vitamin C can increase the acidity of gastric juice, which increases the risk of gastritis and stomach ulcers.

• The use of ascorbic acid with increased blood clotting increases the risk of thrombosis, so people with high levels of prothrombin and platelets need to coordinate the micronutrient intake with their doctor.

• High doses of vitamin C are contraindicated in patients with type 2 diabetes, as high doses (above 1000 mg/day) inhibit insulin production. On the contrary, prophylactic doses of ascorbic acid can help strengthen blood vessels, which often suffer from diabetes.

• For people who are prone to stone formation, additional intake of vitamin C may be contraindicated due to the high risk of developing urolithiasis. In this case, it is enough to diversify your diet with foods rich in this micronutrient.

• Long-term joint use of ascorbic acid and drugs containing estrogens can lead to menstrual irregularities, weight gain, deterioration of the skin and hair. Therefore, women taking oral contraceptives should limit themselves to short-term courses of the vitamin.

Healthy people can take vitamin C prophylactically at the recommended dosages without fear of harming the body. However, as with any vitamin/mineral supplement, it is advisable to seek the advice of a physician or nutritionist before starting to take ascorbic acid.

Vitamin C sources

Vegetables, fruits, berries, greens are rich in ascorbic acid. The advantage of these products is that most of them can be consumed fresh without being subjected to heat treatment, which destroys vitamin C.

Contrary to popular belief, citrus fruits are not leaders in the content of ascorbic acid - they only close the top twenty. In addition to vegetables and fruits, dried porcini mushrooms and beef liver are rich in vitamin C.

The TOP 20 foods high in ascorbic acid are shown in the table below. Adding them to your daily diet will be an excellent prevention of hypovitaminosis.

When calculating the intake of vitamin C, it should be borne in mind that the amount of nutrients depends on the method of processing products and the duration of their contact with oxygen. In order to preserve the maximum of vitamins in vegetables and fruits, it is recommended to cut them immediately before eating, and put them in boiling water during cooking without peeling.

Therapeutic and prophylactic use of vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is used for the treatment and prevention of hypovitaminosis, viral infections, some vascular pathologies, strengthening the immune system ⁴ . With a slight decrease in the level of vitamin in the blood, the doctor can give recommendations for correcting nutrition, with severe hypovitaminosis, prescribe a course of vitamin C in the form of soluble tablets, dragees or powders. In case of an acute shortage of ascorbic acid, as a rule, intramuscular injections of vitamin preparations are prescribed.

The prophylactic dose of vitamin C is 50–100 mg for adults, 25–75 mg for children, and 25–100 mg for pregnant and lactating women. Therapeutic dosages depend on the severity of the disease and are calculated individually. The duration of the course and the regimen are determined by the attending physician.

In severe viral infections in the acute period of the disease, patients may be given loading doses of vitamin C. According to studies, high doses do not affect the duration and severity of viral infections, but allow maintaining a sufficient level of ascorbic acid in conditions when the body consumes it most actively ⁵ .

How to take vitamin C correctly?

Vitamin C is available in pharmacies in single form and as part of complex dietary supplements, but regardless of the form of release, it is best to take it during or immediately after a meal. Together with food, ascorbic acid itself is absorbed better and promotes the absorption of nutrients that come with it. After taking a dietary supplement in the form of chewable lozenges or lozenges, it is recommended to rinse your mouth thoroughly so that the acid does not destroy tooth enamel.

When using ascorbic acid, it is also necessary to take into account its interaction with other vitamins and minerals. Remember that vitamin C:

• enhances the activity of vitamins A, E, B ₅ , B ₉ ;
• accelerates the absorption of iron and calcium;
• destroyed by vitamins B ₁ , B ₁₂ and K;
• promotes the excretion of copper from the body.

If you do not want to remember the rules of interaction, choose multivitamin complexes and dietary supplements for prophylactic use, in which the optimal combinations and dosages are selected to provide a person's daily need for micronutrients.

Use of vitamin C in cosmetology

Ascorbic acid has antioxidant and anti-aging properties, so it is often included in cosmetics and anti-aging complexes. Oral vitamin supplements can have a systemic effect, and topical treatments can help:

• relieve inflammation;
• improvement of cellular metabolism and microcirculation;
• stimulation of collagen synthesis;
• alignment of color and increase of skin turgor;
• strengthening local immunity;
• improve blood circulation;
• reduce the appearance of wrinkles ⁶ .

Care products with ascorbic acid are available in the form of creams, gels, peels, masks, patches. Homemade masks based on berries and fruits also have a healing and rejuvenating effect.

¹ Vitamin C: the known and the unknown and Goldilocks. Padayatti C . D ., Levin M . OralDis. 2016 Sep; 22(6):463-93. doi: 10.1111/odi.12446 . Epub 2016 Apr 14. PMID: 26808119; PMCID: PMC4959991.
² Norms of physiological needs for energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation: Guidelines. - M.: Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 2021. - 72 p.
³ Vitamin C/ Vitamin C . Likkesfeldt J., Michels A. D., Frei B. Adv Nutr . 2014 Jan 1;5(1):16-8. doi : 10.3945/ an .113.005157 . PMID : 24425716; PMCID : PMC 3884093.
^{0648 Vitamin C as an antioxidant: evaluation of its role in disease prevention. Padayatti S. D., Katz A., Wang Y., Ek P., Kwon O., Lee D. H., Che S., Corp. K., Datta A., Datta S. K., Levin M. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Feb;22(1):18-35. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2003.10719272 . PMID: 12569111.
6} Evaluation individual parameters skin after application 5% vitamin concentrate C / Evaluation of selected skin parameters following the application of 5% vitamin C concentrate. Jarosh A ., Zasada M ., Budzis E ​​ ., Dembovska R ., Giembczynska - Rzepka M ., Rothstein X . J Cosmetic Dermatol. 2019 Feb;18(1):236-241. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12562 . Epub 2018 Apr 30. PMID: 29707883.

safety, efficacy and recommended dosage. The norm of vitamin C for children per day. Vitamin C Requirements for Babies

Being a parent and raising children can be both the most joyful and at the same time difficult event in your life.

One of the first lessons every new parent learns is how to make sure your child is well fed and adequately nourished at every stage of their life.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for optimal health throughout the life cycle.

Many new parents wonder if their children are getting enough vitamin C and need to add special nutritional supplements to their diet.

This article will cover all the key features of vitamin C - why it is so important for children, how much to consume, how to make sure your child gets enough nutrients every day.

What is Vitamin C?

It is important for maintaining a healthy immune system, increasing iron absorption and the production of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body.

Vitamin C is unique among many other nutrients in that it also acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect cells from free radical damage and damaging oxidative processes.

Free radicals are highly volatile, cell-damaging chemicals that are a by-product of normal human metabolism. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can bind to free radicals, rendering them unable to harm surrounding tissues.

Vitamin C is considered an essential nutrient, so your child's body cannot produce it on its own. Therefore, it must be obtained from the foods consumed every day.

This micronutrient is found in breast milk, infant formula and many fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C requirement for infants

Breastfeeding women have an increased need for vitamin C because they pass the required amount of vitamin C to their baby through breast milk.

If you are breastfeeding, try to get 120 milligrams of vitamin C per day. This is about 60 percent more than required for women who are not in the lactation period.

Infant formula also contains vitamin C. Thus, if your child receives artificial formula, his body will be fully saturated with the trace element.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports immunity and stimulates collagen production. It also acts as an antioxidant. Children need 40-50 mg of vitamin C per day, depending on their age.

Most children do not need vitamin C supplements

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), infant formula, breast milk, and food should be the only sources of vitamin C your child consumes.

Vitamin C supplementation is not necessary for most healthy children and may increase the risk of developing symptoms associated with nutrient toxicity due to nutrient overload.

Possible side effects associated with excessive intake of vitamin C are kidney stones, nausea and diarrhea.

The US National Health Service (NHS) recommends giving vitamin and mineral supplements only to children 6 months of age and older.

6-month-old infants require vitamin supplementation if they are not breastfeeding or if their daily formula intake is less than 500 milliliters.

If a supplement is considered necessary, the dosage should be determined by your child's healthcare provider.

When vitamin supplements are useful and important

If you suspect that your child is deficient in vitamin C, special vitamin C supplements may be needed.

Vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries, but children with nervous system disorders, digestive dysfunction, or cancer may be at increased risk of developing them.

Acute and persistent lack of vitamin C is the main cause of a serious disease known as scurvy.

Symptoms include bleeding gums, bruising, physical fatigue, loss of appetite and irritability. If left untreated, scurvy can be fatal.

Never self-diagnose a vitamin deficiency in a child. Be sure to consult a qualified healthcare professional before introducing any nutritional supplements into your child's diet. Only a specialist can determine the safest, most appropriate dosage.

Vitamin C supplements are generally not recommended for infants and young children. In rare cases, vitamins may be required, but their dosage should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.

Parents need to focus on including natural foods fortified with vitamin C in their children's daily diet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you start introducing solid foods when your baby is about 6 months old. This is the perfect time to start offering vitamin C rich foods to help children meet their nutritional needs as they grow.

By six months of age, most babies can meet their daily vitamin C needs with a combination of food and formula or breast milk.

Remember that every child is different and not everyone will enjoy trying the products listed above. Be patient with your toddler as he explores the new flavors and textures that solid foods provide.

At the same time, you can be sure that your baby is getting enough vitamin C from formula or breast milk.


From 6 months after birth, you can start giving your baby foods fortified with vitamin C, introducing them steadily into the daily diet. Strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and tangerines are all great options for kids.

Conclusion

One of the most important aspects of caring for a newborn is to provide him with a complete and balanced diet. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in immunity, collagen production, and protection against free radical damage.

Breast milk, infant formula and whole foods such as bell peppers, strawberries and papaya are the best sources of vitamin C for your baby.

Vitamin C supplements are not suitable for children unless recommended by a doctor. If you are concerned that your child is not getting enough vitamin C, be sure to speak with a specialist before adding any supplements to a child's diet.

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