Why You Should Never Give Your Newborn Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C For Babies – There is no doubt that vitamin C is vital to the growth and development of your baby, but unless your newborn has vitamin C deficiency right from the start, avoid supplements as much as possible.  Parents only want what is best for their babies’ health. They may even consider supplementing their children’s diets with vitamin C to protect them from the common cold and other ailments.

However, adding vitamin C supplements to their daily regimen may not be necessary or healthy at such a young age. Parents may consider giving their baby additional vitamin C only when breastfeeding mothers are lacking this important vitamin themselves. Parents should always consult with their pediatrician before giving their newborn-baby any type of supplement.

Importance Of Vitamin C For Babies

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient because it repairs and develops babies’ skin cells, tissues, and bones. It improves their blood vessels and prevents bruising from minor injuries. This vitamin strengthens the immune system so it can fight off infections and other health issues such as scurvy, colds, and coughs ^[1].

Humans lack the ability to create our own vitamin C. So, we must rely on other sources for it. Aside from vitamin C supplementation, introducing more fruits and vegetables to your diet and your baby’s diet is highly recommended, as they are some of the best sources of the vitamin. In newborn babies, the vitamin C that they need can be found in their mother’s milk. Mothers should consult their pediatrician if they are formula feeding their baby regarding any supplementation. Once baby transitions to solid food, it’s time to assess the need for vitamin C supplementation.
It is important that babies have a steady supply of this vitamin. Since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin (versus fat-soluble vitamin), the excess vitamin eliminates from the body through urine.

As soon as your breastfed babies start to wean or are fed solid foods, fruits and vegetables are good sources of this vital nutrient. If you puree the solids, the vitamins and minerals remain unaltered. There should be a good balance between fruits and vegetables so babies get the best sources of vitamin C in their diets ^[2].

Pregnancy And Vitamin C For Babies

Pregnant women may consider taking ascorbic acid to supply their bodies with vitamin C. A healthy balance vitamins and minerals can transfer from healthy mothers to their babies while they are in their womb.

Infants And Supplements

As noted, when it comes to vitamin C intake, most newborns get appropriate amounts when they breastfeed, however, iron and vitamin D are not present in breast milk, so doctors recommend that infants be given these supplements early to aid with their growth and development.

For breastfeeding mothers with a vitamin C deficiency, increase its levels by consuming foods that are rich in this vitamin. Choose fruits, vegetables, and supplements high in vitamin C. Increasing vitamin C intake causes breast milk to have more of this vitamin which can be absorbed by babies as they breastfeed.

Vitamin C Safety & Vitamin C Deficiency

There is still ongoing debate as to whether or not newborns or breastfeeding babies should be given vitamin C. The consensus is that breastfed babies should not be given supplements unless they are deficient. Even if babies are on infant formula, vitamins should not be supplemented since the formula milk includes essential fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.

There is danger in giving high doses of vitamin C to babies. Feeding infants too much can cause vitamin C toxicity, the appearance of kidney stones, acidosis, over-absorption of iron, reduced serum copper, and ceruloplasmin levels^[3].

If you are unsure if your infant is getting enough of this vitamin, consult with your doctor. They are in a much better position to determine if your baby is deficient in this vitamin and can prescribe or recommend supplements as needed. Vitamin C for babies is often in a liquid form which is dispensed before nursing or afterward as a form of reward. Make sure to follow the dosage recommended by your doctor as an excess can trigger health problems.

Vitamin C supplements can be dispensed when babies start to wean from breast milk and are consuming solids. Babies can receive up to 20 mg of vitamin C per day from supplements and from foods to aid in their overall health and development^[4].There is no shortage of vitamin supplements being sold today, so get recommendations and discuss this with your doctor first.

The Last Word About Vitamin C For Babies

There is no doubt that vitamin C is vital to the growth and development of your baby, but unless your newborn has vitamin C deficiency right from the start, avoid supplements as much as possible. Breast milk supplies your little one with the nutrients that they need. An excess of vitamin C is detrimental to an infant’s health as evidenced by the possible side effects. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor if you think that there are any deficiencies in your child’s diet or if you suspect an underlying condition.

Vitamin D For Babies – Breastfeeding Infants Need Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin C For Babies, Vitamin C Deficiency Resources:
[1]   National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin C, June 24, 2011.
[2]   National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin C Health Professional, March 02, 2018.
[3]   National Institutes of Health; Vitamin C, Updated September 18,2018
[4]   National Institutes of Health; Vitamin C, Updated September 18,2018