Vitamin C has been the first line of defense for fighting the common cold for many years. That’s still true. But did you know that vitamin C is vital for children’s overall health and development? Vitamin C is important in the formation of:
- Blood vessels, muscles, and many tissues, including your child’s skin
- Carnitine, a chemical that generates energy
- Building a strong immune system in your child
Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune boosters out there. In fact, a lack of vitamin C can even make you more prone to getting sick.
Our bodies can’t produce vitamin C so it needs to come from outside sources. Fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, berries, peppers, tomatoes, kiwi, and broccoli are some of the best ways to naturally boost this important vitamin. A good way to know if your child is getting plenty of vitamin C is to look at the color on his or her plate. The more colorful foods are generally higher in vitamin C.
Does your child need a supplement? Dietician Julia Zumpano says, “The good news is that vitamin C is in so many foods that most people don’t need to take a vitamin C supplement unless a doctor advises it.” She also advises, “Try to eat a wide variety of foods, and aim to eat fruit and vegetables from every color of the rainbow. Your plate will be more enticing to look at, and you will ensure that you’re getting as many health-boosting vitamins and nutrients as possible.”
