Today, vitamin C deficiency in children is quite rare. Fresh fruits such as oranges, tangerines, strawberries and blackberries, rich in vitamin C, are among the foods that children love the most. In cases that prevent vitamin C absorption and use by the body, such as food allergies, eating disorders and digestive system diseases, symptoms of vitamin C deficiency may occur in children. In this case, vitamin C syrup, tablets or water-soluble food supplement forms can be used for children. 3 4 Vitamin C benefits for children include:
May Support Bone Development
When it comes to bone health, the first components that come to mind are vitamin D and calcium. Another vitamin that is as important as these components for the healthy growth and development of bones is vitamin C. Vitamin C helps synthesize collagen protein, an important component of bone. (2)
May Help Maintain Skin Health
Children who are active throughout the day often get injured and skin tissue may be damaged. Collagen, an important component of skin tissue, plays a major role in synthesizing new skin cells and repairing damage to skin tissue. Vitamin C can help maintain skin health by supporting collagen synthesis. Increasing vitamin C intake for children is important for the repair of damaged skin tissues. 2
May Contribute to the Removal of Free Radicals from the Body
Vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help maintain overall health by removing free radicals from the body. Free radicals are harmful compounds that steal electrons from healthy cells, disrupt their structure, and prevent them from performing their normal functions. Using vitamin C supplements for children can support the removal of free radicals from the body, helping meet the daily vitamin C requirement. 2
May Support Normal Functions of the Immune System
Immune system; It is a complex system consisting of organs, enzymes, cells and tissues. It acts as a shield by protecting the body from disease-causing microorganisms and foreign chemicals. Vitamin C participates in the structure of some enzymes involved in the immune system and supports the body's defense against infections by contributing to the strengthening of the immune system. 2 Another component that contributes significantly to immune system functions, like vitamin C, is zinc. Vitamin C zinc supplements for children can help strengthen the immune system. (5)
Supports the Healthy Functioning of the Nervous System
Nervous system of children; It enables him to fulfill all his functional abilities such as coordination, walking, speaking, memory and learning. The normal functioning of the nervous system ensures that children are healthy both physically and mentally. Vitamin C supports the structure of neurons that transmit messages between the brain and other organs and helps the nervous system function in a healthy way. 2
May Help Absorption of Some Minerals
Iron is an important component of the hemoglobin protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. In case of iron deficiency, there are disruptions in hemoglobin synthesis and anemia may occur because the cells cannot receive the oxygen they use in energy production in sufficient quantities. Vitamin C may aid the absorption and use of iron by the body. 2
When to Take Vitamin C Supplement for Children?
Children's daily vitamin C needs vary depending on age. According to this;
- 0-6 months babies 25 mg,
- 7-12 months babies 30 mg,
- Children aged 1-3 years 35 mg,
- Children aged 4-8 years 35 mg,
- Children aged 9-13 need 40 mg of vitamin C. 6
- Although vitamin C deficiency is a rare condition, if you think that your child cannot meet his daily vitamin C requirement with food, you can consult a doctor and start using vitamin C supplements for children under the supervision of a doctor. Excessive consumption of vitamin C in tablets or other forms for children may cause the following problems:
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Abdominal cramps.
Since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it is recommended to consume supplements on an empty stomach so that it can be absorbed in maximum amount by the body. Consuming it with plenty of water, especially in the morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast, can increase the efficiency of the supplement to optimum levels. 8 The best form of vitamin C for children is multivitamin mineral complex. In addition to vitamin C, other vitamins and minerals that support body functions can be taken. Supplements can be used in the form of syrup, tablets, chewable tablets, sachets, or water-soluble vitamin C tablets for children.
What are the Functions of Vitamin C for Children?
Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining general body health. It helps all body systems of children, especially those in the growth and development period, to fully develop. Vitamin C functions for children include:
It helps blood vessels in the body circulatory system gain a strong structure. The main component of skin cells supports collagen synthesis and muscle functions. It helps wound healing and helps tissue damage recover in a short time.
By supporting the normal functions of the nervous system, it helps the messaging between the brain and other organs, tissues and cells to progress in a healthy way.
By supporting bone and tooth development, it helps children gain a healthy skeletal structure.
It supports the production of carnitine, which is responsible for transporting and breaking down fatty acids into the cells, which allows the body to produce energy from fats.
Thanks to being a powerful antioxidant, it supports the immune system and reduces the risk of children catching infections.
