Why Does Child Need Vitamin C? Effects and Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency

Curious "why does my child need vitamin C?" Do you remember your mother telling you that a glass of orange juice a day will keep the cold at bay? Vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping your child healthy at any age. Here, we give you an insight into why Vitamin C plays a huge role in your child’s healthy development, What is the importance of vitamin C?

#Fun Fact: Did you know that there’s a day dedicated to this essential vitamin? Yes, you heard that right! April 4th of every year is celebrated as Vitamin C Day.

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic, is a water-soluble vitamin is present in various colourful fruits and vegetables and is also available in the form of a dietary supplement. Vitamin C cannot be synthesized in the body. Hence, it needs to be consumed either as food or as a dietary supplement. It is not stored in the body for long and needs to be replenished on a regular basis, failing which your child can have a Vitamin C deficiency.

Why Do Child/Adults Need Daily Dose of Vitamin C?

Vitamin c plays important role in child’s overall healthy development. Here are some important reasons why Vitamin C needs to be an essential part of your child’s diet -

1. Antioxidant effects: Vitamin C protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can be produced in the body due to normal bodily processes or due to exposure to smoke, ultraviolet radiations or even air pollution
2. Immunity Booster: It can help in strengthening the immune system. It is known to ward off colds and coughs, and fight infections
3. Building & Healing: Vitamin C is required for the formation of collagen, muscles and cartilage, so it can promote healing of wounds and help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy
4. Iron Absorption: Vitamin C is necessary for the absorption of iron in the body, which makes it super-essential for your little one

Helpful Read: How much calcium Intake & Ways to Add Calcium in Children Diet?

How Much Vitamin-C Does My Child Require?

The Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C is as follows:

What Are Some Important Sources Of Vitamin C?

Include several colourful vegetables and fruits in your child’s meals to make sure that he gets enough Vitamin C. Here are some rich sources of Vitamin C:

• Strawberries
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemon and lime)
• Kiwi
• Guava
• Bell peppers
• Tomato
• Green leafy veggies
• Broccoli
• Watermelon & Musk-melon
• Gooseberry
• Cauliflower
• Blackcurrant
• Cherry
• Papaya

Helpful Read: What are the benefits of taking vitamin C?

What Are The Effects Of Vitamin C Deficiency?

Here are some of the most commonly observed effects or conceptions of vitamin C deficiency:

• Scurvy: If Vitamin C levels in your child’s body are low there are chances that the collagen formation might slow, and lead to tissue breakdown. This would ultimately culminate into scurvy, which is mainly characterized by bleeding gums and wounds which do not heal easily
• Colds and skin issues: If not treated for very long, it can lead to frequent cold and coughs, fever spells and convulsions. It can even lead to skin ailments and scanty hair

What Signs Of Vitamin C Deficiency Should I Watch Out For?

A common concern among parents is how they can tell if their child has a vitamin deficiency. Know what are the warning signs of Vitamin C deficiency? Read on...

• Your child gets tired easily and complains of body aches frequently
• She gets bruised easily, and you might even observe reddish, bluish bruise marks on her body
• Your child might suffer from poor immunity, so you might see him falling ill very frequently
• Your child might start losing weight
• You might observe bleeding or swollen gums
• Dry and flaky skin which cuts easily and bleeds quickly
• Bleeding nose
• Hair loss and split ends

So squeeze those oranges, bring out those strawberries and make a healthy breakfast or snack for your little one. A little, everyday can go a long way in helping your child’s immune system work well, and aid his overall development. Every day can be Vitamin C Day!

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