Can You Give Your Kids Liquid Kid’s Vitamins with Vitamin C

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than six percent of American children over the age of six years old are deficient in vitamin C. Obtaining sufficient vitamin C requires getting a balanced diet that contains ample fresh fruits and vegetables. While this seems simple, not all children can or want to eat balanced diets. For many, over-the-counter liquid kid’s vitamins are an alternative to ensure that vitamin C levels are being met.

Understanding Recommendations for Vitamin C
The common vitamin C recommendation for children between the ages of four and eight years old is 25 milligrams each day. For those between the ages of 9 and 13 years, the recommendation increases to 45 milligrams. Teenage boys require 65 milligrams, and adolescent girls should get 75 milligrams.

Vitamin C toxicity is possible, but not common since the upper intake levels are substantial. For most, taking liquid kid’s vitamins that contain vitamin C along with providing balanced meals is safe and healthy.

As opposed to multivitamin formulas, vitamin C supplements can often contain higher dosages than what can be tolerated, leading to side effects that include nausea, gas and diarrhea. Over time, an excess of vitamin C can lead to stomach inflammation and kidney stones. Large amounts of vitamin C can also interfere with the function of certain medications, including aspirin, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs.

How Vitamin C in Liquid Kid’s Vitamins Can Help
Many consider vitamin C to be beneficial for fighting off common colds and flu. There is certainly evidence pointing to the ability for the vitamin to boost the immune system. However, vitamin C also offers antioxidant benefits to help prevent the following:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Glaucoma

What Are the Best Sources of Vitamin C?
Of course, the best way for children to obtain vitamin C is from eating a balanced diet that contains foods like citrus, berries, tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and melons. For those who cannot obtain sufficient amounts of the vitamin in the diet, liquid vitamins for kids can be a safe and convenient alternative. A good place to start when determining whether or not your child requires additional vitamin C through supplementation is with your pediatrician. By evaluating your child’s diet and current health issues, the need for supplementation with liquid kid’s vitamins can be determined.