Vitamin C Deficiency: Foods To Add To Your Kids' Diet

An essential element, vitamin C, is mainly present in fruits and vegetables. You might have noticed that citrus fruits are a powerhouse for vitamin C as most sour fruits have Vitamin C in them because of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the regrowth and development of connective tissues, which bind organs and tissues together, including ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels.

Proper Vitamin C intake can help your child develop stronger bones and good skin and hair health. Vitamin C also contributes to good oral and dental health, including teeth and gums. It plays a vital role in the absorption of iron, which is necessary to make red blood cells. Additionally, it contributes to the body's repair function by healing different kinds of burns and wounds by proper blood clotting.

Vitamin C is one of those essential nutrients required for a body that cannot be missed in the vitamins and minerals category. It is necessary for a child growing up to be a well-rounded, healthy individual. Vitamin C deficiency can cause different disorders, such as scurvy. Scurvy is very rare and is often caused by cases of severe deficiency and malnutrition. A child with vitamin C deficiency may also have various symptoms that affect their daily lifestyle. He or she may suffer from anemia or may quickly feel tired and weak.

Vitamin C deficiency is uncommon. But deficiency symptoms can occur without a balanced diet. Add these fruits to avoid Vitamin C deficiency in your kids, making them stronger. Keep reading to know more!

Foods To Add To Your Kids' Diet

1. Guava

You can look for different guavas to serve your kid as a good source of vitamin C. No matter the species, a single guava contains 400% of the daily value of vitamin C a child should have. It is also good for younger kids as the flesh is soft, chewy, and very sweet. You can not only make your child eat them raw, but you can have various kinds of delicacies and desserts made from guava, which will be a perfect companion for your kids, giving them the daily dose of Vitamin C. Make different kinds of smoothies or even ice creams for fun in the summer.

2. Orange

Orange juice or orange slices can be a great snack as well as a breakfast option if you are looking to feed your kid a good source of vitamin C. Did you know that an orange offers 70 mg of Vitamin C, filling 90% of the daily recommended intake? It can be a perfect option for kids who are picky, as orange juice is something that usually every kid likes and is one of the most standard flavors around the world. Organic orange juices with no added preservatives and sugar can be excellent beverages for breakfast and summer.

3. Red Bell Pepper

It is very uncommon to link vitamin C with different kinds of vegetables as many vegetables are not a good source of vitamin C, but they have minimal contents in them. However, red bell pepper is one of the vegetables most linked to vitamin C. A huge amount of Vitamin C is present in red bell peppers, exceeding the daily value of intake by around 165%. It is recommended to eat the bell peppers raw to get the most of vitamins and minerals, just like fruit, but you can always add a roast flavor to eat or stir fry it with different curries and soups. Stuffed red bell pepper is also a great dinner choice if you are looking for balanced meal options for your kids.

4. Papaya

Summer is finally here, so what better way to include vitamin C than papayas in your kids' diet? A Papaya contains 78 mg of Vitamin C. The fruit also has various hydrating elements, which makes it perfect for smoothies or fruit salads. Papayas can also be an excellent after-school snack for your kids, giving them the appropriate amounts of Vitamin C and other nutrients and making them feel refreshed and full-filling.

5. Kiwi

Kiwi is another good source of vitamin C. It is an exotic tropical fruit that you can serve your kids. Kiwis are very soft and make perfect garnishing ingredients for yogurt, various kinds of salad, or even cereals. Kiwis are also very hydrating and a perfect summertime fruit to enjoy with your kids. Kiwis make a great ingredient for flavored water, making the water sweet and nutritious.

Now that you know much more about Vitamin C foods that you can add to your children's diet to avoid Vitamin C deficiency, make sure to create a balanced meal around them. It is important to remember that along with Vitamin C, there are other nutrients and minerals that you need to incorporate into your child's meals, too.