We all know that vitamin C is the darling of the wellness community. Just about every multivitamin and good-for-you supplement contains some degree of vitamin C for boosting your system with antioxidants and immunity support.
While we’re already aware of how important vitamin C is for our own bodies and minds, we may not realize how it’s doubly important for kids.
Are your kids getting enough vitamin C? Here are 5 reasons why vitamin C is oh so important for children, plus a few tips for incorporating this supplement into their diets.
Children need dietary vitamin C to support healthy muscles, bones, teeth, and optimal brain function.
The most crucial role of this vitamin is collagen production, which is necessary for forming connective tissues throughout the body. Without it, blood vessels, skin, and gums are more fragile, resulting in frequent bleeding and poor wound healing. The brain also needs vitamin C to produce chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are necessary for various mental tasks.
Vitamin C helps infection-fighting by enabling white blood cells to function more efficiently, which boosts immunity. In this way, vitamin C may shorten the duration of some respiratory infections.
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers, are good ways for kids to obtain this essential vitamin.
Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP and Medical Consultant, Mom Loves Best
Vitamin C is integral in boosting the immune system.
By actively consuming vitamin C, children’s bodies are better able to produce white blood cells, namely phagocytes and lymphocytes, which are integral for fending off infection.
Vitamin C is also great for the skin. By working as an antioxidant, vitamin C can strengthen the skin’s protective barriers, which helps with all the cuts and scrapes kids get into.
Conor O’Flynn, Medical Expert, O’Flynn Medical
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production.
The collagen present in connective tissue is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Collagen production peaks during childhood and adolescence and declines with age. This is why it's important for kids to consume enough vitamin C and promote collagen synthesis early on.
A diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, including foods rich in vitamin C, is the best way to ensure that your child gets the nutrients needed for optimal health. Vitamin C supplements can also provide additional support.
Mariyam Abid, Early Childhood Development Expert, The Beauty Holic
Vitamin C aids in the formation and maintenance of red blood cells, bones, and tissues.
Vitamin C helps to tighten blood vessels, which aids in keeping children’s gums healthy and reducing bruising from falls and scrapes. Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C, conjointly aid in the healing of cuts and wounds, likewise boosting the system and preventing infections.
Michael Garrico, ACSM & NCSF Certified, Total Shape
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage if they aren't neutralized. Antioxidants, like vitamin C, help prevent this from happening.
Children need more vitamin C than adults, because they have more rapid metabolic rates. They also use vitamin C faster than adults do.
Reda Elmardi, Registered Dietician and CEO, The Gym Goat
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues.
Vitamin C is involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
For children ages 3 to 8, it's suggested to get around 25 milligrams of vitamin C per day. The upper limit of vitamin C, meaning the most your child should have in a day, is 400 milligrams for 1 to 3-year-olds and 650 milligrams for 4 to 8-year-olds.
Children should consume well-rounded diets, including vitamin C rich foods. Fruits are the main source of vitamin C in most diets. Opt for seasonal fruits, (such as oranges, lemons, pineapple, kiwi, guava, and grapefruit) and vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and capsicums), all of which are high in natural sources of vitamin C.
Steve Theunissen, RDN and Fitness Writer, SmartFitnessResults
Take it from the experts – the best way to add vitamin C to your kids’ diet is through fresh, all-natural sources. Our Potent-C is packed with handpicked ingredients, like organic orange juice, organic pineapple juice, and organic sea buckthorn juice, providing 48 milligrams of vitamin C. And the best part? Kids love the sweet and sunny taste!
Get your kids in gear for good health and good days ahead with KOR!