Baby, child: what are the benefits of vitamin C?

Your child is tired, and to help him regain his tone, you are tempted to give him vitamin C. Is this really a good idea? By the way, what exactly is vitamin C? And from what age can it be given to children? The lighting of doctor Danièle Bloch, pediatrician in Strasbourg.

Vitamin C is probably the most well-known vitamin in France. However, she hides many secrets. In what foods is it found? What does it do in our body? What are its benefits ? Can it be given to babies or children? Starting at what age ? Dr Danièle Bloch, pediatrician, answered our questions.

Vitamin C, what is it exactly?

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid (which comes from "scurvy", a disease that sailors once suffered from when they did not have fresh fruits and vegetables for many months), is a water-soluble vitamin essential to the body. “Its role is essential because it not only boosts the immune defences, explains Dr Bloch, but it also protects the body's cells”. Vitamin C being an antioxidant, it is very sensitive to heat, light and especially to oxygen.

Which natural foods are rich in vitamin C?

Foods rich in vitamin C are fruits (citrus fruits, kiwi, red fruits) and vegetables (green beans, spinach, cauliflower, peppers). In order for them to retain their vitamin C content, they must be eaten raw and kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Their vitamin C intake will be all the more important. Of course, as vegetables are rarely eaten raw, you have to think about varying the intake.

At what age should vitamin C be given to a baby or child?

“Above all, we do not give vitamin C to an infant or a baby until food diversification ensures Dr. Danièle Bloch, pediatrician in Strasbourg. The pediatrician may recommend a vitamin cocktail such as Alvityl or Pediakid, but we do not give vitamin C powder or anything else.

Does breastfeeding meet baby's vitamin C needs?

Absolutely. Until food diversification, breast milk meets baby's vitamin C needs. "It is estimated that the concentration of vitamin C in breast milk is 100 mg/l, which is more than enough for the baby", specifies the pediatrician.

Is infant milk supplemented with vitamin C?

Here too, like breast milk, 1st and 2nd age infant milks, but also growing-up milks, contain vitamin C. There is therefore vitamin C supplementation. especially when food diversification begins that you have to be more vigilant, explains the expert. Especially when the child only wants to eat pasta or rice, for example, and is resistant to fruits and vegetables. Providing him with a varied diet is very important. »

Is there a risk of vitamin C deficiency in babies?

“Vitamin C deficiency is extremely rare. It can be seen in premature babies, undernourished or with serious pathologies, argues Dr. Boch. The consequences can be serious, such as impaired bone growth, internal bleeding or risk of anemia. In this case, only one option: consult a health professional. »

What are baby's vitamin C needs?

“We consider that the right dose for a baby is equivalent to a daily intake of 50 mg of vitamin C between 6 and 12 months and 60 mg between 1 and 3 years”, assures the pediatrician.

How does vitamin C help children grow?

“Since vitamin C is important in strengthening bones and teeth, it logically promotes their growth,” explains Dr. Bloch. In addition, vitamin C is antioxidant and therefore prevents many diseases, which increases the chances of the body to grow and grow in size. »

Liposomal vitamin C, what is it?

Liposomal vitamin C is distinguished from conventional vitamin C by its galenic form (or formatting of pharmaceutical products). Clearly, if classic vitamin C can take different forms (powder, capsule, tablet), liposomal vitamin C is encapsulated in fat cells called liposomes. Thus protected, vitamin C goes through the digestive stages without being altered by gastric acid and enzymes, and thus directly affects our cells.