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Signs Your Child May Be Deficient In Vitamin C

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful and necessary vitamin for the body. It helps strengthen the immune system, aids in digestion and absorption of iron, improves mood, supports healthy skin, and can even help prevent cancer.

In this article, we will cover signs that your child may be deficient in vitamin C.

What is vitamin C?


It is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is essential for many functions in the body including the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.

This condition can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, gum disease, and bleeding gums. Untreated scurvy can be fatal.

Most people do not need to take vitamin C supplements because it is found in many foods. However, people who don't eat enough fruits and vegetables or who have certain medical conditions may benefit from taking a supplement.

What are the signs of a vitamin C deficiency?


If your child is deficient in vitamin C, they may experience the following symptoms:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Weakness
  3. Muscle aches
  4. Joint pain
  5. Bleeding gums
  6. Dry, split hair
  7. Brittle nails
  8. Dry, rough skin

How much vitamin C should a child be eating?


Vitamin C is an important nutrient for children, as it helps to support their immune systems and keep their bodies healthy. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for children is 40-65 milligrams (mg), depending on their age. If your child is not eating enough foods that are rich in vitamin C, or if they are sick or under stress, they may need to take a supplement to ensure they are getting enough of this important nutrient. Signs that your child may be deficient in vitamin C include:

  1. Frequent infections or illnesses
  2. Slow wound healing
  3. Bleeding gums
  4. Easy bruising
  5. Dry, scaly skin
  6. Fatigue or weakness

If you think your child may be deficient in vitamin C, talk to their doctor about the best way to increase their intake of this important nutrient.

Foods high in vitamin C


A diet lacking in vitamin C can lead to a host of problems for children, including poor growth, easy bruising and bleeding, and dry, scaly skin. Here are some foods that are high in vitamin C and can help ensure your child is getting enough of this important nutrient:

  1. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons
  2. Tomatoes
  3. Potatoes
  4. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale
  5. Broccoli
  6. Peppers
  7. Strawberries
  8. Papaya 

Make sure your child is eating a variety of these foods every day to help them get the vitamin C they need.

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