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Baby foods with vitamin c


Vitamin C for Babies: Safety, Efficacy, and Dosage

Becoming a parent can be one of the most joyous and challenging experiences of your life.

One of the first lessons every new parent learns is how to make sure your baby is well fed and adequately nourished throughout each stage of their life.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that’s essential for optimal health across the life cycle.

Many new parents wonder if their infants are getting enough vitamin C and whether a supplement is ever necessary.

This article reviews everything you need to know about vitamin C for babies, including what it is, how much is needed, and how to make sure your baby is getting enough every day.

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.

It’s essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, enhancing iron absorption, and producing collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body (1).

Vitamin C is unique to many other nutrients because it also functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect cells from free radical damage (2).

Free radicals are highly volatile, cell-damaging chemicals that are a byproduct of normal human metabolism. Antioxidants like vitamin C can bind to free radicals, making them unable to harm surrounding tissues (2).

Vitamin C is considered an essential nutrient, which means your baby’s body can’t produce it by itself. Therefore, it must be obtained from the foods they consume each day.

This nutrient can be found in breastmilk, infant formula, and many types of fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C requirements for infants

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 (3):

  • 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 (3).

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

summary

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports immunity and collagen production. It also functions as an antioxidant. Babies require 40–50 mg of vitamin C per day, depending on their age.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), infant formula, breastmilk, and food should be the only sources of vitamin C your baby consumes (3).

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

Possible side effects associated with overconsumption of vitamin C include kidney stones, nausea, and diarrhea (3).

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 (4).

Supplementing at 6 months is recommended for infants who aren’t breastfeeding and consume less than 16 ounces (500 mL) of formula per day (4).

If taking a supplement is deemed necessary, the dosage should be determined by your baby’s healthcare provider (4).

When supplementing may be appropriate

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 (5).

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 (1, 5).

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.

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.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning to introduce solid foods when your baby is about 6 months old (6).

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 (3).

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

  • 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

Remember 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.

summary

At 6 months, you can begin introducing foods rich in vitamin C to your baby’s diet. Strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and tangerines are all excellent baby-friendly options.

One of the most important parts of caring for a new baby is ensuring they’re provided with adequate nutrition.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in immunity, collagen production, and protection from free radical damage.

Breastmilk, infant formula, and whole foods, such as bell pepper, strawberries, and papaya, are the best sources of vitamin C for your baby.

Vitamin C supplements aren’t appropriate for infants unless recommended by a healthcare provider.

If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough vitamin C, talk to your medical provider before adding any supplements to their routine.

Top 10 Vitamin C Foods for Babies and Kids

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that’s crucial for immunity. Make sure your child gets enough of this nutrient with these Vitamin C Foods for Babies and Kids.

Health Benefits of Vitamin C for Babies and Kids

Top 10 Vitamin C Foods for Babies and Kids

1. Citrus Fruits

2. Bell Peppers

3. Papaya

4. Kiwi Fruit

5. Broccoli

6. Cantaloupe

7. Guava

8. Tomatoes

9. Strawberries

10. Indian Gooseberry

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Ever since COVID-19 began, people have become increasingly concerned about boosting immunity to fend off all kinds of infections. Even if an improved immunity doesn’t actually stop the coronavirus, it can prevent many other common illnesses so that we can avoid hospital crowds during this time. As a way to boost immunity, everyone was researching about one essential nutrient – Vitamin C.

So what is Vitamin C and why is it so important? Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, and it is a water soluble nutrient that is essential for some crucial body functions. While all nutrients are important for kids, Vitamin C has some specific  health benefits for children.

Health Benefits of Vitamin C for Babies and Kids

  • Vitamin C helps maintain a healthy immune system which can fight off minor infections like the common cold
  • Even if we do catch an illness, Vitamin C ensures that it is not severe, by lessening the symptoms and duration
  • Vitamin C promotes faster healing and minimizes damage from injuries
  • This nutrient is crucial to produce collagen, required for skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones
  • Vitamin C is essential to form blood cells, blood vessels and tissues as well as neurotransmitters
  • Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron and calcium from food
  • Unlike other Vitamins, Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps protect against free radical damage

A deficiency of Vitamin C can cause scurvy, an illness that has symptoms like joint pain, bleeding gums and fatigue. In babies and children, Vitamin C deficiency can cause more severe effects like affecting growth and reducing immunity. We all need a certain amount of Vitamin C on a daily basis for optimum health, and these are the recommended amounts:

  • 0-6 Months – 40 mg
  • 6-12 Months – 50 mg
  • 1-3 Years – 15 mg
  • 4-8 Years – 25 mg
  • 9-13 Years – 45 mg
  • 14-18 Years (boys) – 75 mg
  • 14-18 Years (girls) – 65 mg

During the first six months of life, infants get all their Vitamin C needs through breast milk, which is why the requirement of this Vitamin for pregnant and breastfeeding women is higher. Once the baby starts solids, however, he’ll need to get Vitamin C through food. This is because Vitamin C is an essential nutrient; we cannot make it on our own and need to get it from food.

What’s more, humans cannot store large amounts of Vitamin C in our body, which means we have to constantly include it ion our diet. While Vitamin C is available as a standalone supplement, it is far better to get it from food sources as it is more bio available, i. e. it is more easily absorbed. Here is a list of the top 10 Vitamin C foods for babies and kids to ensure they never run short of this important nutrient.

1. Citrus Fruits

The most obvious choice for Vitamin C foods is citrus fruits, and rightly so! Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits, all of which are rich in Vitamin C. A medium orange provides 70 mg of Vitamin C, while one lemon provides 83 mg an a grapefruit contains 88 mg. In fact, in the 1700s, when British sailors started getting scurvy, they were given lemons as treatment and prevention.

2. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, and we now have a variety of colors available. The sweeter bell peppers are considered to be higher in Vitamin C, like the yellow and red ones. Half a cup of yellow capsicums gives a huge 137 mg of Vitamin C, while green capsicums provide half of it. Besides these, bell peppers are also rich in Vitamins A, B, E and K as well as magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium and folate.

3. Papaya

Papaya is a fruit many of us have growing in our backyards, but little do we realize how nutritionally superior it is! Just one cup of papaya provides 8 mg of Vitamin C, making it an easy way to include this nutrient in our diet. Papaya is also great for digestion and is rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, carotene, flavonoids and B vitamins. With these, papaya is great to protect against serious illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

4. Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruits are little powerhouses of nutrients, particularly of Vitamin C. One medium sized kiwi contains 71 mg of Vitamin C, along with other nutrients like fiber and antioxidants like flavonoids. Kiwi fruit is generally loved by kids, thanks to its fuzzy exterior and bright insides. Kiwi fruits help reducing blood lots, strokes, cholesterol and also fights against free radical damage.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is a vegetable that is a constant point of contention between kids and parents. However, parents have a good reason for trying to get kids to eat the tree-like vegetable; just half a cup of broccoli has 51 mg of Vitamin C. This is not all, broccoli is packed with powerful enzymes that have antioxidant function. Broccoli is also rich in fiber that improves digestion and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.

6. Cantaloupe

Most of us associate muskmelons or cantaloupes with milkshakes – they are a popular summer fruit! Just half a cup of cantaloupes gives 30 mg of Vitamin C, and this fruit is very low in calories as well. It is great for rehydration during summer since it is made up of a good amount of water.

7. Guava

Guavas take us back to our childhood, as we remember plucking guavas and having them with salt and chilli powder. But guavas aren’t just great for a trip down memory lane; just one guava has a whopping 126 mg of Vitamin C, which is 40% more than your daily quota! Eating guava regularly has also shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

8. Tomatoes

Whether you consider a tomato or a fruit, the fact is that it is an excellent source of Vitamin C. A medium tomato provides 20 mg of Vitamin C, along with other nutrients like folate, potassium, Vitamin K and the important lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that lowers blood cholesterol and improves heart health.

9. Strawberries

We know that berries in general are great for health, but strawberries score extra marks for being rich in Vitamin C. One cup of strawberries contains 89 mg of Vitamin C – nearly an entire day’s worth! That’s not all, strawberries have all the good things we hear about in berries – folate, flavonoids and a load of antioxidants that prevent cancer, dementia and heart disease.

10. Indian Gooseberry

Amla, or the Indian gooseberry is the biggest superstar when it comes to Vitamin C – 100 grams of amla has as much Vitamin C as 20 oranges! Indian gooseberries are great in preventing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiac issues and hypertension. They are also great for improving skin and hair health, vision and for boosting immunity.

Most of these foods are best eaten raw, since that is when their Vitamin C stores are at the highest. However, this may not be possible for babies and young kids so it’s okay to cook them lightly. Here are some more tips on feeding your child Vitamin C foods:

  1. Get fresh produce from a local market. Older fruits and vegetables will have lost some of its Vitamin C.
  2. Make sure the fruit or vegetable is completely ripe before feeding your baby to get the maximum amount of Vitamin C
  3. Store the produce in the fridge or in a cold, dark place to ensure the Vitamin C isn’t lost
  4. Opt for serving the whole fruit or vegetable rather than the juice to get the fiber as well
  5. When cooking Vitamin C foods, cook them for as short a time as possible, to retain all the nutrients
  6. Steaming keeps the nutrients intact when compared to boiling
  7. Serve cooked food as soon as its made to prevent any loss of nutrients
  8. Avoid using copper pots or adding baking soda while cooking – these can kill the Vitamin C

In some cases, like premature births or severe malnutrition, doctors may prescribe a Vitamin C supplement, but generally speaking we can get all the Vitamin C we require through food. Over consumption of Vitamin C is usually not a problem since it is a water soluble vitamin and is flushed out in urine. However, severe overdoses can cause nausea, diarrhea, gastritis and even kidney stones.

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What vitamins do children need - vitamins in baby food

Tiunova Elena

Published: 01/15/2023

Reading time: 2 min

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A child always needs vitamins, but especially in the first months and years of life, because not only growth, but also psychomotor and even mental development depends on their balance.

What vitamins are most needed in baby food?

For normal growth and development, a child needs a complete list of vitamins and microelements in a balanced composition, but vitamins A, D, E, K and vitamins of group B can be considered the most important.

The role of vitamins in baby food , so, for example:

• Vitamin A is necessary to improve vision and the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

• vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are very important for the harmonious development of the nervous system. They are indispensable for physical and mental stress, but, as you know, it is in the first year of life that children actively grow, begin to move and explore the world.

• Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent anemia due to its positive effect on iron absorption.

• vitamin D is responsible for the formation of children's bones and teeth, strengthening the immune system.

• vitamin E protects cells from free radicals, it helps to restore the skin and improve vision.

• vitamin K is responsible for the quality of blood.

Sources of vitamins

In the first months of life, the baby receives vitamins from breast milk or adapted infant formula as the main source of nutrition. That is why it is so important for a nursing mother to adhere to the rules of a balanced diet, to enrich it as much as possible with healthy foods, vegetables and fruits. But when choosing an infant formula, it is very important to carefully study its composition to make sure that it contains all the necessary vitamins.

Many manufacturers of baby food focus on such an important aspect as vitamins for children. So, for example, Nutrilak specialists, together with leading specialists from the Scientific Center for Children's Health of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, have developed a balanced complex of vitamins and microelements, taking into account the needs of babies in the first year of life. Thanks to this, infant formulas fully provide the child with everything that is so necessary for harmonious growth and development.


Article author

Tiunova Elena

Pediatrician of the highest category, nutritionist, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor of the department of faculty pediatrics and propaedeutics of childhood diseases, Ural State Medical University

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Contents of the article

  • What vitamins are most needed in baby food?
  • The role of vitamins in baby food
  • Vitamin sources

Products from article

Baby formula Nutrilak Premium Caesarea BIFI

From birth

Nutrilak infant milk powder

0 to 12 months

Interested

  • Nutrition during pregnancy
  • Prenatal vitamins
  • How to tell if a baby is teething
  • Dysbacteriosis in the newborn

vitamins and microelements in baby food

Kodentsova Faith Mitrofanovna

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December 01, 2021

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What vitamins and minerals a child needs for normal development

All vitamins are contained in food and, accordingly, enter the body with it. All 13 vitamins (A, E, D, C, B1, B2, B6, PP, B12, folate) and vital (they are also called essential) minerals should be supplied to the child's body daily in quantities that provide his physiological need. Sufficient supply of vitamins is important for all processes in the body, for the functioning of all organs and systems, support for immunity, resistance to mental, physical, emotional stress. A growing organism is especially sensitive to a lack of vitamins. Each vitamin has its own unique function in the body and cannot be replaced by another vitamin. In addition, vitamins are closely related to each other and the lack of one of them can impair the function of others. For example, without enough B vitamins, vitamin D will not be active.

Children's norm for vitamins and microelements depending on age

Indicators (per day) Age groups
0-3 months 4-6 months 7-12 months 1 to 2 years From 2 years to 3 years 3 to 7 years old 7 to 11 years old 11 to 14 years old 14 to 18 years old
boys girls young men girls
vitamins
Vitamin C, mg thirty 35 40 45 50 60 70 60 90 70
Vitamin B 1 mg 0. 3 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.3
Vitamin B 2 , mg 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.9 1 1.2 1.5 1.8 1.5
Vitamin B 6 , mg 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.7 1.6 2 1.6
Niacin, mg 5 6 7 8 eleven 15 18 20 18
Vitamin B 12, mcg 0.3 0.4 0.5 0. 7 1.5 2 3
Folate, mcg 50 60 100 200 300 - 400 400
Pantothenic acid, mg 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 5 4
Biotin, mg - 10 15 20 25 50
Vitamin A, mcg ret. eq 400 450 500 700 1000 800 1000 800
Vitamin E, mg current. eq 3 4 7 10 12 12 15 15
Vitamin D, mcg 10
Vitamin K, mcg - thirty 55 60 80 70 120 100
Calcium, mg 400 500 600 800 900 1 100 1 200
Phosphorus, mg 300 400 500 700 800 1 100 1 200
Magnesium, mg 55 60 70 80 200 250 300 400
Potassium, mg - - - 400 600 900 1500 2500
Sodium, mg 200 280 350 500 700 1000 1 100 1 300
Chlorides, mg 300 450 550 800 1 100 1700 1900 2300
Iron, mg 4 7 10 12 15 18
Zinc, mg 3 4 5 8 10 12
Iodine, mg 0. 06 0.07 0.1 0.12 0.13 0.15
Copper, mg 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 1
Selenium, mg 0.01 0.012 0.015 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05
Chromium, mcg - - - eleven 15 25 35
Fluorine, mg 1 1 1.2 1.4 2 3 4 4
Norms of physiological needs for minerals for children and adolescents of the Russian Federation.

Vitamins and dietary supplements in the nutrition of young children (are there differences and what are possible)

Vitamins can be both in the composition of dietary supplements for food, and in the composition of medicines.

All biologically active food supplements are designed to compensate for the lack of nutrients in the diet of a modern person, and, in particular, vitamins. That. nutritional deficiencies and related health problems are prevented. Vitamin deficiency is found in the diet of modern man everywhere. The only exceptions are children in the first six months of life, who need additional vitamin D, regardless of the type of feeding. With breastfeeding, all other vitamins will go to babies with mother's milk, provided that she herself does not lack them. Formulas for artificial feeding will serve as a source of vitamins for formula-fed children. After the appointment of complementary foods, the child will also be responsible for the intake of vitamins.

The amount of vitamins in dietary supplements is strictly regulated. The daily dose of vitamins and minerals in the composition of dietary supplements for food for children from 1.5 to 3 years old should not exceed 50% of the daily physiological need for these substances. In addition, dietary supplements intended for children do not contain prohibited dyes, preservatives and artificial flavors.

If vitamins are a medicinal product, then they allow a larger amount of active substances to achieve a therapeutic effect, and the composition of fillers (carriers) may contain substances that are allowed for use as part of dietary supplements and food products, but prohibited for use as part of dietary supplements. The intake of such vitamins requires special indications and control by a pediatrician.

- Why are baby foods fortified with vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients (eg pre- and probiotics).

The results of the assessment of the actual nutrition of children aged 2-6 years show that the consumption of vitamins C, E, B1 and B2 does not reach the recommended age norms in about 30% of the examined, vitamins PP and B6 - in 37-45%, vitamin B12 - in 19%, vitamin A - in 54%, folate - in 62% of children. A simultaneous deficiency of 4 vitamins at once was present in about half of the children, and only every twentieth child was provided with all the vitamins. Insufficient vitamin D intake was found in the vast majority (97%) children aged 1-3 years living in Moscow, Ivanovo, Yaroslavl. Vitamin A deficiency was detected in more than half of the examined, vitamin C - in every fourth or fifth child. The problem is also in the lack of calcium and zinc in the diets of children, which was found in about half of the children surveyed, as well as iron - in about 2/3 of the children.

In all regions of Russia there is a natural deficiency of iodine, which leads to the risk of developing iodine deficiency diseases.

It is impossible not to take into account the loss of vitamins during cooking.

Therefore, food is enriched with vitamins, the deficiency of which is most typical for childhood - this is a generally accepted method in the world and has proven its effectiveness in preventing nutritional deficiencies. For example, up to 30-40% of the need for zinc in children of the second half of life is provided by cereals enriched with zinc. Mother's milk at this point contains only a small amount of zinc, which is not able to meet the needs of the child.

- Are “natural” vitamins and minerals absorbed in the same way and are they from fortified foods and from tablets and dietary supplements

Currently, many vitamins are obtained biotechnologically using special microorganisms (this is how vitamins B2, B12, K, beta-carotene are obtained) or food concentrates are used as a source: vegetable oil for vitamin E, fish oil for vitamin D and PUFA) . In some cases, vitamins from fortified foods and dietary supplements are absorbed even better than from traditional foods, as they are in a bound state in them. When assessing assimilation, the value of assimilation of a technologically obtained pure vitamin is used as a standard.

- What signs indicate a lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet

The reason for the delay in the development of the child is often a deficiency of B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B7, B9).

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