Now Reading
Read Why Most Babies Shouldn’t Take Vitamin C Supplements

Read Why Most Babies Shouldn’t Take Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a critical role in a variety of your baby’s most vital physical functions.

Though essential throughout every stage of life, infants need less vitamin C than adults. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that babies receive the following amount of vitamin C each day:

  • 0–6 months of age: 40 milligrams (mg)
  • 6–12 months: 50 mg

Women who are breastfeeding have increased vitamin C requirements because they’re supplying the baby with vitamin C through their breastmilk.

If you’re breastfeeding, aim to consume 120 mg of vitamin C per day. This is about 60% more than the amount required for women who aren’t breastfeeding.

Infant formulas also contain vitamin C. Thus, if your baby is formula fed, they’ll be able to meet their vitamin C needs.

However, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), infant formula, breastmilk, and food should be the only sources of vitamin C your baby consumes.

Supplementing with vitamin C is unnecessary for most healthy babies and could increase their risk of developing symptoms associated with vitamin C toxicity, Healthline.com reports.

Possible side effects associated with over-consumption of vitamin C include kidney stones, nausea, and diarrhea.

READ ALSO: IMPORTANT: Top 3 Vitamins Your Child Needs and Why

The U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) only advises that vitamins and mineral supplements be given to infants 6 months of age or older. Supplementing at 6 months is recommended for infants who aren’t breastfeeding and consume less than 16 ounces (500 mL) of formula per day.

If taking a supplement is deemed necessary, the dosage should be determined by your baby’s healthcare provider.

If you suspect that your baby isn’t getting enough vitamin C, taking a supplement may be necessary. Vitamin C deficiencies are rare in developed countries, but babies with neurodevelopmental disorders, digestive dysfunction, or cancer may be at an increased risk of developing them.

Severe vitamin C deficiency is the root cause of a serious medical condition known as scurvy. Symptoms include bleeding gums, bruising, fatigue, loss of appetite, and irritability. If scurvy is left untreated, it can be fatal.

You should never attempt to diagnose your baby with a vitamin deficiency on your own.

Be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your baby’s diet. They can determine the safest, most appropriate dosage.

In summary, Vitamin C supplements are generally not recommended for babies. In rare instances, supplements may be required, but dosage should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider.

See Also

READ ALSO: 13 Wholesome Solids To Introduce In Your Baby’s Diet From 6 Months

Focus on including whole foods that contain vitamin C

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning to introduce solid foods when your baby is about 6 months old. This is the perfect time to start offering foods that are rich in vitamin C to help your baby continue meeting their nutrient needs as they grow.

At 6 months of age, most babies can meet their daily vitamin C requirements from a combination of food and formula or breastmilk.

Here are some examples of baby-friendly foods that are high in vitamin C (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source):

  • Red bell pepper, 1/4 cup (23 grams): 58% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
  • Strawberries, 1/4 cup (41 grams): 48% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
  • Kiwi, 1/4 cup (44 grams): 82% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
  • Tangerines, 1/4 cup (49 grams): 26% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
  • Cooked broccoli, 1/4 cup (24 grams): 31% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
  • Papaya, 1/4 cup (57 grams): 70% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies

Do not forget that every baby is different and not all of them will be particularly open to trying new foods right away. Be patient with them as they explore all the new flavors and textures that solid foods provide.

In the meantime, you can rest assured that your baby will get plenty of vitamin C from their formula or breastmilk.

Copyright © 2021 Motherhood In-Style Magazine. All Rights Reserved.