It is important that children get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals. Their bodies depend on it for optimal growth and development. However, humans are unique from other mammals because they cannot make their own vitamin C; it must be obtained from food. Many of the sources of vitamin C help promote healthy eating. Consult your child's physician before using vitamin C supplements.
Function
Vitamin C is required for various functions in the body. It is a part of the connective tissues, helps wounds heal and it is an antioxidant that protects the body against free radicals. Vitamin C is involved in protein metabolism and the biosynthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters and it helps the body absorb non-heme iron, which is primarily found in plants. Since vitamin C is important for proper immune function, it is often taken to prevent or fight the common cold.
Intake
Children need the appropriate amount of vitamin C on a daily basis because it is not stored in the body. The recommended intake of vitamin C for children varies based on age. The recommended intake for infants aged 0 to 6 months and 7 to 12 months is 40 mg and 50 mg, respectively. Children ages 1 to 3 years need 15 mg per day, kids between 4 and 8 need 25 mg, and kids ages 9 to 13 require 45 mg per day. Boys between the ages 14 and 18 need 75 mg of vitamin C, while girls only need 65 mg.
Sources
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, tomato juice and potatoes are rich sources. Red and green peppers, kiwi, broccoli and strawberries also contain vitamin c and it can be added to fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin C is available as a supplement or in synthetic form and according to the Linus Pauling Institute, the natural and synthetic form of vitamin C are identical and equally effective.
Deficiency
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include decreased ability to fight infection and wound healing rate, dry or splitting hair, easy bruising and rough, dry and scaly skin, as suggested by Medline Plus. Although rare in the United States, vitamin C deficiency can lead to a severe condition known as scurvy. Scurvy causes anemia, bleeding gums, tooth loss, joint pain and fatigue. Since vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, deficiencies can lead to iron deficiency anemia, due to non-heme iron absorption.
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