blogbyAdminNo Comments

As a parent, you would want to make sure that your kid’s vitamin C levels are on par! 

Vitamin C is a powerhouse nutrient essential for supporting growth and boosting immunity, so your child is well-equipped to fight off the common cold and other infections. 

But you may wonder, how much vitamin C is essential for your kid? And what’s the best way to consume it so your kid gets the most benefit from the nutrients they’re consuming? Hang in there! All your queries are about to be resolved in this article. 

Next time you pack lunch for your child, you’ll know what vitamin-C-rich snack to pack to fulfill the daily requirement.

So, let’s start by discussing the importance of vitamin C for kids.

Four Reasons Why Vitamin C Is Important For Your Kid! 

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is the most essential nutrient of the human body. But here’s the hitch! Our body doesn’t produce it. Therefore, we must take it from external resources. 

Here are the main bodily functions where the role of ascorbic acid becomes prominent:

1. Support Immune System

    Vitamin C can enhance the body’s production of white blood cells, which play a main role in fighting infections and pathogens. If your child fulfills the daily requirement of vitamins, the overall immune system will increase, helping your kid fight off colds, flu, and any other seasonal infections. 

    2. Growth and Repair

      Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production. Collagen is a protein that maintains structure, strength and supports cells and tissues. So, adequate amounts of Vitamin C can ensure that all body cells are active and participating in the growth and development of muscles, bones, and teeth. 

      3. Enhances Iron Absorption

        Ascorbic Acid is required to absorb the iron in the body as iron is necessary for red blood cells production. So, having enough levels of Vitamin C and iron together makes it possible to avoid iron deficiency anemia, which is common in children with unhealthy eating habits. 

        4. Acts as an Antioxidant

          As your child grows, their body produces free radicals, which causes cell damage over time. If a child has a strong immune system, the free radicals do not cause any harm and are killed inside the body. However, vitamin C is essential to make this happen. 

          Recommended Vitamin C Dosage Per Day For Your Child According To Guidelines

          The recommended vitamin C dose for kids depends on the age, developmental stage, and overall health status. Here’s the recommended dosage for different ages according to the guidelines provided by the National Institute of Health:

          AgeDose
          Birth to 6 months40 mg/day
          Infants (7-12 months)50 mg/day
          Children (1-3 years)25 mg/day
          Children (9-13 years)45 mg/day
          Teenagers (14-18 years)65-75 mg/day (boys), 65-75 mg/day (girls)

          For instance, if your child is 9-13 years old, consuming one orange in a day would be enough to meet the daily requirement as orange contains 60-70 mg of vitamin C. There are various fruits, snacks and veggies you can add to their daily routine as well.

          What Is The Maximum Dose For Vitamin C In a Child?

          Consuming excessive vitamin C can lead to multiple side effects, such as diarrhea, cramps and nausea. Moreover, higher doses can also cause iron overload in your kids. So, make sure to keep a balance when you’re taking care of your kid’s nutrition. 

          Here are the maximum doses for vitamin C in your child with age. 

          AgeMaximum Dose
          Children (1-3 years)400 mg
          Children (4-8 years)650 mg
          Children (9-13 years)1200 mg
          Teenagers (14-18 years)1800 mg

          Top Vitamin C-Rich Foods for Kids To Meet The Daily Requirement

          You must be wondering about different natural sources that could help you fulfill your children’s daily nutrient requirements. Here are a few common fruits and vegetables that you may have in your fridge right now.

          1. Citrus fruits – include oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines. 
          2. Berries– Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are some of the delicious fruits you can add. 
          3. Kiwi – This small, fuzzy fruit consists of 70-90 mg of vitamin C.
          4. Papaya –  It is a tropical fruit that provides almost 88 mg of vitamin C. 
          5. Bell peppers – You can add colorful bell peppers, especially the red ones in salads or toppings.  
          6. Tomatoes: Whether eaten fresh or in tomato sauce or soup, tomatoes are rich in nutrients and minerals.
          7. Leafy Vegetables – You can include spinach, kale, and swiss chard in your child’s diet. 

          Tips for Ensuring Sufficient Vitamin C Intake 

          To help your child gets the most benefit out of the Vitamin C foods, here are a few tips:

          • Do not force the children only to consume a particular type of fruit or vegetable, as they’ll lose interest. 
          • Choose fresh fruits and vegetables over packed ones
          • Try incorporating vitamin-rich food into snacks or drinks. 
          • You can involve children in making food for them so they are inclined toward nutritious foods.
          • Avoid excessive cooking, as it can destroy vitamin C. 

          What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin C Deficiency In Toddlers or Kids? 

          Vitamin C deficiency can start when a child’s vitamin intake is lower than normal required levels. Some factors that contribute to lower ascorbic acid levels in the body are poor eating habits, restrictive diets, or any other medical conditions that could affect nutrient absorption. 

          The early signs of vitamin C deficiency start with tiredness, fatigue, and irritability. However, as the deficiency progresses, you may notice some visible signs, such as slow wound healing, frequent infections, impaired bone growth and gum issues. 

          Although it’s rare, an untreated vitamin C deficiency can even lead to scurvy, a disease that presents with swollen or bleeding gums, joint, muscle, or leg pain, and easily bruised skin. 

          But don’t worry! Catching these signs early ensures timely correction, and with proper attention, your child can regain normal levels.

          Can You Give Vitamin C Supplements To Your Kid? 

          Yes, vitamin C supplements are safe for children of 6 months or older. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t recommend vitamin supplements for healthy kids unless advised by a doctor. 

          Not to mention, babies or infants do not need oral supplements as they consume vitamin C from breast milk, milk formula, or baby food. 

          You may also notice a variety of children’s vitamin C gummies or supplements circulating in the market. If you’re worried about whether these gummies or supplements are right for your child or not, it is best to talk to your child’s doctor right away. 

          Takeaway

          All in all, complying with the daily vitamin dosage for your kids can ensure their healthy growth and development. You must prioritize using natural foods as part of your daily routine to reach the recommended dosage levels. However, if you think you cannot fulfill the daily limit, you can consult the doctor for good supplements. 

          If you are in Chicago or Schererville and need advice about Vitamin C supplement intake, you can book your appointment at Family Urgent Care Clinic, where healthcare professionals can help you in the best possible way.

          Leave a Reply

          Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

          Focus On "Healthy Food Eating" Webinar

          Chase L.
          1733691371
          The office is great . Very polite and accommodating . They also accept state insurance . No long wait time . I definitely recommend.
          Jasmin B.
          1733689368
          I can hear with rib pain and was taken care of quickly. The guys in the front were quick and helped set up really fast. Dr. Lena Farah was great in explaining everything the pain could be from as well as what it could NOT be from which really helped assure me. She was super comprehensive as to what every symptom I could have was from. She was very educated and very nice when discussing what I came there for.
          Princess T.
          1732724168
          Very helpful and nice
          Kathy J.
          1732656110
          Very quick visit! Everyone was very polite and efficient. Thank you!
          afreen S.
          1732511879
          This place was stunning! The staffs and doctors were presenting really friendly and kindly. And I loved how well-maintained and clean everything was!...
          afrah I.
          1732233352
          I really love the hospitality in this urgent careFor ladies I recommend dr Lena farahShe is awesome very friendly down to earth person!Thank you once again
          aidan S.
          1732227279
          I *love* the folks at this Rogers park location!! Over the past couple of years I've visited them for a wide range of things and each time I walk away feeling listened to, cared for and generally impressed.
          Dionysius!
          1731805075
          Very attentive staff, made it in and out with my prescription. Thanks guys!
          stephanie K.
          1731804675
          Amazing, fast and helped me.
          David B.
          1731626511
          Efficient and pleasant service
          jawad F.
          1731429557
          Professional and caring team .
          mahmoud A.
          1731182004
          They are so kind and helpful. Thank you
          Noor K.
          1731110575
          Very nice experience, would recommend. Everyone was helpful
          Keywan W.
          1731096027
          Great doctors and great services
          Josie B.
          1731085035
          quick easy help
          George K.
          1730991187
          Beter service then my primary doctor. In and out in 25 minutes
          Liam B.
          1730829958
          Very professional and courteous
          natasha S.
          1730824650
          I was seen promptly. The sign-in process was easy, and the staff were friendly. It was clean space.
          Simone H.
          1730821733
          Good quality care fast and reliable very polite staff definitely recommend
          Carlos M.
          1730580633
          Family Urgent Care is great! Very knowledgeable. I appreciate the help. Thank you.
          Samantha J.
          1730422932
          Friendly staff and great care.
          frehiwot T.
          1730412502
          I had the quick help, they were all nice and professional. I highly recommend this urgent care
          Suleman M.
          1730131294
          very nice and clean with lot of respect and good consultation, treated with all posible aspect.
          Victoria D.
          1729699611
          Fast, friendly, and kind.
          Nadia P.
          1729698158
          Very fast and professional service
          brittany H.
          1729612782
          Very nice staff and helpful
          Dina P.
          1729607831
          Got me in quick even though I was a walk in and answered all my questions
          Beejay F.
          1729116512
          Very family friendly and reliable
          Jean B.
          1729010096
          I walked in and in less than 1 1/2 hours I was out and on my way home. Very nice people.
          SHARON L.
          1728754338
          Excellent service
          Elizabeth F.
          1728404102
          Muy amables todos
          ×
          js_loader

          Focus on Healthy Eating!

          Days
          Hours
          Minutes
          Seconds