Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Special Note

[recommendations reflect vitamin C intake from all sources]

Info: add 35 mg/day for smokers

General Information

[primary functions]

antioxidant; enzyme cofactor for carnitine, collagen, neurotransmitter biosynthesis; modulates absorption, transport, storage of iron

[selected sources]

citrus fruits, sweet peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe

Dietary Reference Intake

[0-6 mo]

40 mg/day; Info: upper limit not established, potential for adverse effects with high intake; only sources of intake should be breastmilk, formula, and food

[7-11 mo]

50 mg/day; Info: upper limit not established, potential for adverse effects with high intake; only sources of intake should be breastmilk, formula, and food

[1-3 yo]

15 mg/day; Info: total intake >400 mg/day associated with incr. adverse effects

[4-8 yo]

25 mg/day; Info: total intake >650 mg/day associated with incr. adverse effects

[9-13 yo]

45 mg/day; Info: total intake >1200 mg/day associated with incr. adverse effects

[14-18 yo, females]

65 mg/day; Info: incr. to 80 mg/day if pregnant, 115 mg/day if breastfeeding; total intake >1800 mg/day associated with incr. adverse effects

[14-18 yo, males]

75 mg/day; Info: total intake >1800 mg/day associated with incr. adverse effects

[19 yo and older, females]

75 mg/day; Info: incr. to 85 mg/day if pregnant, 120 mg/day if breastfeeding; total intake >2000 mg/day associated with incr. adverse effects

[19 yo and older, males]

90 mg/day; Info: total intake >2000 mg/day associated with incr. adverse effects