Can Kids Take Vitamin C Supplements?

Vitamin C is an essential immune health support nutrient we mostly get from ascorbic acid in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Vitamin C is necessary at all ages; kids need it too! Over 50% of adolescents in the U.S. ages 14 – 18 do not consume enough Vitamin C from their daily food intake.[1]^†

While many children get their daily Vitamin C from fresh fruits or certain kid-friendly vegetables (like red bell peppers, tomato juice, or baked potatoes), supplementation might help the picky eaters in your family get the nutrients they need. Make sure to consult with your primary healthcare provider first; they're best suited to help you make informed decisions about your child's health.

Why Do Kids Need Vitamin C?

So, what's the big deal if kids aren't eating their broccoli or drinking a glass of orange juice every day? Can kids take Vitamin C? Why do kids need Vitamin C? While there are many Vitamin C benefits, one of the most important reasons for children to get Vitamin C is that it supports a healthy immune system, our body's first line of defense.^†

Vitamin C and Immune System Support in Children

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules sent careening through our bodies by regular cellular function, and they can cause our cells oxidative stress.^†

Antioxidants like Vitamin C pair off with these unstable atoms, settling them down and helping to prevent oxidative stress. By providing your child with enough Vitamin C through their diet or supplementation, you can help to support their antioxidant intake.^†

Vitamin C also helps support the barriers of epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are found in our skin and body cavities, where our body has the most contact with the outside world. By supporting those cells, Vitamin C supports our innate immune system, which is our initial line of defense.[2]^†

Humans are very adaptable, and we also have an adaptive immune system. The adaptive immune system learns to protect our body better with experience. Vitamin C also helps supports this branch of our immune system.[2]

Vitamin C plays an essential role in the functioning of white blood cells, like phagocytes, which form an important part of our immune system. Vitamin C plays many roles in your child’s innate and adaptive immune systems.[2]^†

Can Kids Get Enough Vitamin C From Food Alone?

The first hint on how to add Vitamin C to your kids' diet is in the letter "C." Citrus! Citrus fruits are one of the most common dietary sources of Vitamin C: oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes.

But as we all know, sometimes a kid decides a specific type of food isn't their speed. If they're not a citrus fan, they can also find Vitamin C in tomatoes, strawberries, kiwis, and peppers.

But it's not uncommon for kids to not get enough Vitamin C from their diet; like we said above, it's over 50%.[1] This can come from picky eating, limited access to fresh fruit, or any number of other reasons. In these situations, dietary supplementation can help bridge the gap. If you intend to supplement your child’s Vitamin C intake, it’s important to know the recommended doses.

How Much Vitamin C Should a Kid Take?

Can kids take Vitamin C supplements formulated for them? How much Vitamin C should a child get every day? Adolescent years are filled with rapid change, and that's true for Vitamin C intake as well! The recommended daily amount of Vitamin C depends on the age of the child. Let's break down the daily recommended amounts by age:[3]

Children ages 4–8: 25 mg

Children ages 9–13: 45 mg

Teens ages 14–18 (boys): 75 mg

Teens ages 14–18 (girls): 65 mg

While Vitamin C is generally a safe supplement, parents should follow the suggested use of the supplement for children found on the packaging to avoid excess intake. For parents looking to supplement their own Vitamin C intake, check out how much Vitamin C should you take per day.

No matter your age, you should consult with a healthcare professional before introducing a supplement to your or your child's daily routine. Your primary care provider is best equipped to provide personalized care tailored specifically to your needs.

Choosing the Right Vitamin C Supplement for Your Child

There are quite a few different types of Vitamin C available, but what is the right Vitamin C supplement for your child?

Nature Made^® offers Kids First^® Vitamin C Gummies in a yummy tangerine flavor as a great-tasting way for your kids to take their vitamins. Gummies can be easier for children to take than softgels or tablets, letting them chew their Vitamin C rather than swallow with a glass of water. Our gummies come in tasty flavors to make vitamin time enjoyable.^†

Nature Made^® offers several children's gummy vitamins in our Kids Gummy Vitamins Collection to help you support your child's overall wellness. Nature Made^® Kids First^® supplements are sourced from high-quality ingredients and formulated for children four and up.^†

Support Your Child's Health with Vitamin C

Childhood is a great time to start supporting nutrition, so take this opportunity to explore our options for child-friendly Vitamin C supplements and beyond. Our Kids First^® products are formulated with kids' health in mind and are designed to be easy and tasty to incorporate into their daily routines.

If you're looking to supplement your own Vitamin C intake in addition to your child’s check out Nature Made^®'s Vitamin C Collection, with a variety of Vitamin C supplements in different forms and dosages to help you find Nature Made^®'s best Vitamin C supplement for you. With our Subscribe & Save, you can get 10% off and delivery directly to your door.**

Nature Made^® is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand.*

*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

1. Usual Intake of Food Pattern Components by U.S. Adolescents: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015–2018, June 2021. Current Developments in Nutrition 5(Supplement_2):155-155, DOI:10.1093/cdn/nzab035_063
2. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. Published 2017 Nov 3. doi:10.3390/nu9111211
3. National Institutes of Health. Vitamin C. National Institutes of Health. Published March 26, 2021. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/