Vitamin C for Babies
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It is that time of year again when common colds and other illnesses have begun to rear their ugly heads. While the best things you can do for your baby if they are sick are to maintain adequate hydration and offer comforting foods that support the immune system, you may also wonder if increasing Vitamin C will help support a healthy immune system.
As parents and caregivers, we strive to provide the best for our little ones. One essential aspect of a baby's health is proper nutrition, and vitamin C is a powerhouse nutrient that plays a crucial role not only in immune health but also in growth and development.
As a registered dietitian specializing in infant nutrition, my goal here is to explain the importance of vitamin C for babies, the recommended intake and adequate amount of vitamin C for babies, the symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency, and the best sources of this essential nutrient.
Why does my baby need Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It plays several crucial roles in your baby's health and development.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. It helps protect our cells from free radical damage, helps the body fight off infections, and contributes to a strong defense against illnesses.
You may not know that Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, which is vital for the growth and repair of skin, connective tissues, and blood vessels.
Vitamin C is also important for assisting in the absorption of non-heme iron (or iron found in plant-based foods) from the diet, which helps prevent iron deficiency anemia in both babies and adults.
Another function of Vitamin C is to synthesize neurotransmitters, which contribute to healthy brain development and cognitive function.
What are the daily vitamin C recommendations in infancy?
There is currently insufficient evidence to support a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for infants from birth to 12 months, so the Food and Nutrition Board established an Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin C that is equivalent to the average vitamin C intake found in healthy, breastfed infants.
The AI for infants varies by age:
0-6 months: 40 mg of vitamin C
7-12 months: 50 mg of vitamin C
What are the symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency in babies?
Vitamin C deficiency in babies is rare but can lead to significant health issues if left untreated. A prolonged vitamin C deficiency is called scurvy and can develop within a month of insufficient Vitamin C intake. Signs of deficiency may include:
Swollen or bleeding gums
Fatigue
Delayed wound healing
Irritability
Poor appetite
Slowed growth
What are the best sources of Vitamin C for babies?
Breast milk and formula provide adequate vitamin C for most babies during the first six months of life. Breast milk naturally contains vitamin C, and infant formulas are fortified with this important nutrient.
As your baby is showing signs of readiness for eating solid foods, you can introduce foods that are rich in vitamin C, like these fruits and vegetables:
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
Cruciferous Vegetables: Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts
Tomatoes
Remember, if you and/or your baby follow a plant-based diet, try to pair vitamin C-rich foods with non-heme iron sources, such as beans, tofu, spinach, and fortified cereal, for increased iron absorption.
Should I give my baby a Vitamin C supplement?
Generally, most healthy babies who are breastfed or formula-fed and have a well-balanced diet as they transition to solid foods do not require a vitamin C supplement during their first year. A balanced diet with various vitamin C-rich foods can help meet your baby's dietary needs.
In certain situations, a vitamin C supplement may be recommended. For example, those with medical conditions affecting vitamin C absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or severe food allergies, may require supplementation. In these cases, vitamin C liquid drops such as those made by Mary’s Ruth’s Organics* are easy to add to a bottle or puree.
Before giving any vitamin supplement to your baby, be sure to always consult with your pediatrician or pediatric registered dietitian first. They can evaluate your baby's overall health and dietary intake to determine whether supplementation is necessary and if so, how much, in what form, and from which trusted brand.
Keep in mind that excessive vitamin C supplementation can lead to side effects such as diarrhea or upset stomach. Following your healthcare provider's guidance on the appropriate dosage if supplementation is recommended is important.
If you’re getting ready to start your baby on solids, download my FREE Baby-Led Feeding Essential Checklist to ensure you have everything you need to get started. You might also want to check out my new online course for parents, based on my best-selling book, which will walk you through the whole process of starting solids using a baby-led approach.
Alternatively, if your baby is almost ready to start solids and you’re looking for someone you trust to map out the entire first 12 weeks of your baby’s solid food feeding journey, check out my Safe & Simple 12-Week Meal Plan! Over 30 recipes, weekly shopping lists, tons of balanced baby meals, a complete plan for top allergen introduction, & lots of guidance (with photos) on how to safely serve each food.
And if you're looking for personalized nutrition support, I am currently accepting new clients in my virtual private practice. Thanks for reading!