Vitamin C-Rich Fruits & Vegetables

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that supports baby’s immune system, skin health, and bodily repair and recovery. It also helps increase the body’s absorption of plant-based (nonheme) iron from foods like beans, nuts, and seeds. This is important because iron is an essential nutrient that babies increasingly need starting around 6 months. Pairing vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich foods helps baby’s body absorb more iron to support their growth, development, and energy levels for exploration and play.

How much vitamin C is recommended for babies?

When starting solids, most babies receive plenty of vitamin C from breast milk or formula, and as they build the skills to eat real food, they increasingly get vitamin C from foods like fruits, vegetables, and fortified foods. In the United States, the recommended amounts of vitamin C range from 15 to 50 mg daily for infants and toddlers, but there is no need to track how much baby is consuming. Trust that baby is getting enough vitamin C as long as they are consuming breast milk and formula, and continuing to explore and practice eating a variety of food.