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Is 500mg Of Vitamin C Too Much For A Child

What Is Vitamin C

vitamin c requirement per day

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that our bodies need in order to function. However, because it is water-soluble, the human body is unable to produce or store it, which means that we need to obtain regular levels of this important vitamin on a daily basis from outside sources. In theory, Vitamin C is found in enough food sources that kids could get sufficient levels of it through diet alone. However, studies have shown that supplementing Vitamin C can have real benefits when it comes to the immune system and overall health, both in childhood development and well into the future.

Should I Take A Vitamin C Supplement

If you are eating a balanced diet, most likely you do not need to take a vitamin C supplement, says McGowan. Vitamin C is water-soluble meaning the body utilizes it but doesnt store it. For most healthy individuals, the body can only hold and use about 200 to 250 mg of vitamin C a day, and any excess is lost through urine, explains McGowan.

Despite this, you can overconsume vitamin C. This is most likely to occur with supplement use, so make sure your daily intake falls below the tolerable upper limit , or the maximum daily intake thats unlikely to result in negative health effects. That amount for a 1- to 3-year-old child is 400 mg, while its 650 mg for a 4- to 8-year-old child, 1,200 for a 9- to 12-year-old child, and 1,800 mg for a 14- to 18-year-old teenager. The UL for an adult is 2,000 mg. Keep in mind that if you take a multivitamin, youre getting vitamin C there, too dont forget to add that amount to your total supplemental intake.

Vitamins: How Much Is Too Much

Ten million Britons now spend a total of £175 million a year on vitamin and mineral supplements to help prevent common ailments, restore energy and strengthen their immune system.

But, many nutritionists and dieticians argue that most people – excluding certain groups such as pregnant women, people with specific conditions and the elderly – can get all the vitamins and minerals they need from a well-balanced diet.

Here we present some of the main health risks posed by taking high doses of certain vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C: Contrary to popular belief, Vitamin C doesn’t prevent colds and flu, but it can reduce the length and severity of symptoms. Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, berries, green vegetables and potatoes – acts as an antioxidant. This means it protects the body against disease. It is also vital for the production of collagen, used to build body tissue and bones.

Recommended daily dose: Children need at least 10 milligrammes a day to prevent scurvy – a disease caused by vitamin deficiency. The recommended dose for children is 30 mg while adults need around 40mg.

How much is too much? Taking more than 500mg of vitamin C a day can be toxic. High doses of vitamin C will stop your body from absorbing nutrients and can cause severe diarrhoea. The British Nutrition Foundation warn that vitamin injections can cause kidney damage, liver disease, jaundice and blurred vision.

symptoms such as pins and needles and tingling in

the upper and lower limbs.

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Are You Taking 500 To 1000 Mg Of Vitamin C Daily

When were run down, stressed or actually sick, our bodies burn through vitamin C at an alarming rate. Once your vitamin C levels drop, your immune system becomes more compromised which could lead to other health issues.

This explains why were able to tolerate much larger-than-normal doses of vitamin C when we have a cold, flu or other infections, than we would normally require.

Interestingly, in healthy people who regularly consume vegetables and some fruits and/or supplements with vitamin C, recommended vitamin C levels are around 70 micromoles per liter, yet these levels drop precipitously when we have a health problem.

For examples these levels drop to:

  • 42 in diabetics

Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation will also deplete vitamin C levels.

As these levels drop our immune function will also suffer.

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C at 90 mg. is enough to prevent scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, but woefully too low to provide optimal levels of this vitamin.

I recommend 500-1000 mg/day of ascorbic acid which is 5 to 11 times the recommended RDA. Regular, inexpensive ascorbic acid is all thats necessary and dont get caught up in all of the advertising hype about fancy and much more expensive forms of vitamin C being better or more bioavailable.

Vitamin C is protective on so many levels.In addition to strongly supporting immune function, other proven benefits are:

To the Best of Health,Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

Is It Ok To Take Vitamin C During Pregnancy

Is 500mg Of Vitamin C Daily Too Much

During pregnancy, vitamin C is vital for both mom and baby. You need it for tissue repair and wound healing, and it helps your babys bones and teeth develop, too. Vitamin C also aids in the bodys production of collagen, helps bolster immunity and, on top of it all, improves your ability to absorb iron.

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Vitamin C Dosage For Kids

The amount of vitamin C your child needs has been determined by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and is based on the recommended dietary allowance .

The vitamin C dosage for a child is based on age, not gender as in adults:

  • The daily requirement of vitamin C for infants 0 to 6 months: 40 milligrams
  • The daily requirement of vitamin C for infants 7 to 12 months: 50 milligrams
  • The daily requirement of vitamin C for kids 1 to 3 years: 15 milligrams
  • The daily requirement of vitamin C for kids 4 to 8 years: 25 milligrams
  • The daily requirement of vitamin C for kids 9 to 13 years: 45 milligrams

Tips

The daily requirement of vitamin C for infants is based on the mean intake of the vitamin in healthy breastfed babies.

Once the teenage years hit, your childs vitamin C needs differ based on gender. Teen girls need 65 milligrams a day, while teen boys need 75 milligrams a day. The recommendations are similar for adults, with men requiring 90 milligrams a day and women 75 milligrams.

What Are The Best Sources Of Vitamin C

Perhaps one of the best things about Vitamin C is that it is naturally found in all sorts of yummy foods! Citrus fruits are a very popular source of Vitamin C, but what are some other sources?

  • Guavas with 228 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
  • Kiwis with 93 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
  • Bell peppers with 128 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
  • Strawberries with 59 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
  • Papayas with 61 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
  • Broccoli with 89 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
  • Tomatoes with 23 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams
  • Grapefruits with 31 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams

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Is 1200 Mg Of Vitamin C Too Much

For adults, the daily upper limit of vitamin C is 2,000 mg. For teens, its 1,800 mg. For children, the upper limit depends on age, and it ranges from 400 to 1,200 mg per day. In addition, vitamin C is water-soluble, making it hard for your body to store it with excess being secreted in your urine.

Can You Supplement Vitamin C

How Much Vitamin C is Too Much? | How Much Vitamin C Can I Take | Best Form of Vitamin C

While it is definitely possible for your child to get enough Vitamin C from food sources alone, kids are notoriously picky eaters, so it might be a little bit challenging to ensure that they are getting sufficient levels of Vitamin C each and every day. In these situations, it may be worthwhile for you to consider a dietary supplement for your child.

When it comes to supplementing Vitamin C for kids, the best way to do this is through a childrens multivitamin. Kids need more than just Vitamin C in order to grow and develop properly. In fact, they need upwards of 15 different vitamins and minerals on a daily basis to promote everything from eye health to better sleep. If this is all news to you, dont worry–its not too late for you to introduce a kids multivitamin supplement that will ensure that your child gets everything they need.

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You Cant Live Without It

The thing about vitamin C is that you and your child cant live without it.

While most animals are able to manufacture vitamin C, humans cannot, which means it must come from the food you eat. Not getting enough vitamin C can have detrimental effects for your childs health, growth and development.

Vitamin C is also a water-soluble vitamin, so the body cant store it for later use, so you need a daily fix to keep the body functioning at its best.

  • The thing about vitamin C is that you and your child cant live without it.
  • Vitamin C is also a water-soluble vitamin, so the body cant store it for later use, so you need a daily fix to keep the body functioning at its best.

Can You Be Allergic To Vitamin C

Technically, no. The isolated vitamin of ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for human health and you would die without it. However you can have an allergic reaction to vitamin C tablets, face cream, serum, and drinks containing it. Since ascorbic acid is often made using corn, those with an allergy to that plant are at risk.

Allergy to vitamin C causes are unlikely to be from corn since that is a very rare allergy. Plus, the potential amount of allergens remaining residual protein matter from the plant would likely be in a concentration of only parts per million . If you are experiencing ascorbic acid intolerance its likely you are allergic to another ingredient in that supplement, fortified food, or skin cream.

On a related note, theres a strong likelihood the corn used is genetically modified. If you want non-GMO ascorbic acid, then make sure the packaging is labeled as such. Organic food-derived sources will always be non-GMO.

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Best Natural Ingredients For Your Skin

Vitamin C serums can be topically applied to the skin and may provide benefits such as protection against damage caused by UV exposure, including collagen damage and wrinkling. And while its no replacement for sunscreen, a vitamin C serum routinely applied before sun exposure may help prevent premature aging of the skin. It may also help protect against pigmentation issues by interfering with melanin synthesis. Youll see many options of vitamin C serums including ones with additional ingredients, such as vitamin E or hyaluronic acid.

How To Take It

Is 500mg Of Vitamin C Daily Too Much

The best way to take vitamin C supplements is 2 – 3 times per day, with meals, depending on the dosage. Some studies suggest that adults should take 250 – 500 mg twice a day for any benefit. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis and before giving vitamin C to a child.

Daily intake of dietary vitamin C is listed below.

Pediatric

  • Men over 18 years: 90 mg
  • Women over 18 years: 75 mg
  • Pregnant women 14 – 18 years: 80 mg
  • Pregnant women over 18 years: 85 mg
  • Breastfeeding women 14 – 18 years: 115 mg
  • Breastfeeding women over 18 years: 120 mg

Because smoking depletes vitamin C, people who smoke may need an additional 35 mg per day.

The dose recommended to prevent or treat many of the conditions mentioned in the Uses section is often 500 – 1,000 mg per day.

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How Much Vitamin C Do Kids Need To Stay Healthy

Parents do everything they can to keep their kids healthy. In addition to enforcing good hand washing habits, sleep schedules, and exercise, sufficient Vitamin C intake is another key element to helping your child stay healthy. As an adult, you probably know a little bit about Vitamin C, but you might not know exactly what it is, why its important, and exactly how much your kids might need. The good news is that you dont have to be a doctor to learn how Vitamin C can promote good health for your child! With a little bit of research, knowledge, and assistance from things like supplements, you are able to easily ensure that your child has enough Vitamin C to stay healthy.

Taking Vitamin A: Daily Dosage Recommendations

According to the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board, most adult men should consume around 900 micrograms of vitamin A per day, and women should have around 700mcg per day. The recommended daily intake is lower in pregnant people and higher for people who are breastfeeding.

The daily dosage for children varies with age. From 0 to 6 months, infants should have 400mcg per day, after which they should consume 500mcg per day until they reach the age of 1. Children 1 to 3 years of age should get 300mcg per day, while those from 4 to 8 years of age need 400mcg per day. Those from 9 to 13 years old need 600mcg each day. Daily recommendations for children don’t change based on gender.

These dosage requirements are general guidelines. Individuals may have differing daily recommendations for vitamin A, depending on their health status and lifestyle. Most people can get a sufficient amount of vitamin A simply by eating a balanced diet. Consult a doctor before taking any vitamin A supplements or changing from the recommended dosage for your age and sex.

In summary, it’s important to be aware of the foods that’ll give you an adequate supply of vitamin A. Provided you have a balanced diet, you might not need to take vitamin A supplements. Be aware of foods containing high levels of vitamin A, and avoid eating too much of these, particularly during pregnancy.

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Linus Pauling Institute Recommendation

Combined evidence from metabolic, pharmacokinetic, and observational studies, and from randomized controlled trials supports consuming sufficient vitamin C to achieve plasma concentrations of at least 60 mol/L. While most generally healthy young adults can achieve these plasma concentrations with daily vitamin C intake of at least 200 mg/day, some individuals may have a lower vitamin C absorptive capacity than what is currently documented. Thus, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends a vitamin C intake of 400 mg daily for adults to ensure replete tissue concentrations an amount substantially higher than the RDA yet with minimal risk of side effects.

This recommendation can be met through food if the diet includes at least several servings of vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables as part of the daily recommended fruit and vegetable intake . Most multivitamin supplements provide at least 60 mg of vitamin C.

Older adults

Copyright 2000-2021 Linus Pauling Institute

Vitamin C Intake For Kids

How much Vitamin C is too much?

Whenever you feel that tickle in your throat signaling the start of a cold, the first thing you may do is reach for your vitamin C in hopes that it may help keep you from getting sick.

While you may marvel in the powers of vitamin C for its ability to help you battle your virus, its more than an immune booster. The water-soluble nutrient is essential not only for your health, but it’s necessary for the normal growth and development of your child.

Your kids need a daily dose of vitamin C to support the formation of muscles and bones, help with the production of energy and create the neurotransmitters that aid in the communication between your childs nerves and muscles.

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What Does The Department Of Health And Social Care Advise

You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

If you take vitamin C supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

Taking less than 1,000mg of vitamin C supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.

Page last reviewed: 03 August 2020 Next review due: 03 August 2023

The Recommended Dietary Allowance

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is based on the amount of vitamin C intake necessary to maintain neutrophil vitamin C concentration with minimal urinary excretion of vitamin C and is proposed to provide sufficient antioxidant protection . The recommended intake for smokers is 35 mg/day higher than for nonsmokers, because smokers are under increased oxidative stress from the toxins in cigarette smoke and generally have lower blood concentrations of vitamin C .

Table 2. Recommended Dietary Allowance for Vitamin C

Life Stage
120

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Which Form Of Vitamin C Is Best

Here, the best vitamin C supplements: Best Overall: Natures Bounty Vitamin C. Best Organic: Garden of Life Vitamin C with Amla. Best Capsule: Solgar Vitamin C 1000 mg. Best Gummy: NOW Chewable Vitamin C-500. Best Boosted: Pure Encapsulations Essential-C & Flavonoids. Best Tasting: MegaFood C Defense Gummies.

What Is Vitamin C Used For

Is 500mg Of Vitamin C Daily Too Much

Vitamin C has been used to treat and prevent many conditions, including:

  • Asthma, a chronic lung disease
  • Bronchitis, an inflammation of the air passages in the lungs
  • Cancer
  • Fatigue
  • Rash

Vitamin C deficiency is treated with vitamin C supplements. Some symptoms improve within the first 24 hours of treatment. Others may take a few weeks to go away.

In severe cases, the bones may be affected. When this happens, surgery may be needed.

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