Pediatria pre prax 3/2021

Significance of vitamin C for children’s body

Vitamin C is one of the essential nutritional elements and is an irreplaceable substance for man, playing a crucial role at all stages of life. Due to its effect on the genome and because of its epigenetic role, vitamin C influences the development as well as health status at all stages of prenatal and postnatal development. It has a major impact on various functions of the immune system. It is a cofactor in a number of enzymes catalysing important reactions in the biosynthesis of indispensable substances (e.g. neurotransmitters, carnitine, collagen). It is one of the most significant antioxidants protecting tissues from oxidative stress, thereby having an anti-inflammatory effect, too. Its sufficient level is thus important in preventing numerous chronic inflammatory conditions. Vitamin C deficiency fundamentally threatens human health and is surprisingly frequent even in developed countries. The physiological need for vitamin C varies with age, ranging from 50 mg/day in newborns to 100 mg/day in adolescence and adulthood. This need increases in a number of conditions, such as physical and mental exertion, infectious and inflammatory diseases, oxidative stress-related diseases, convalescence, wound healing, and other conditions. Therefore, a sufficient supply of vitamin C in an appropriate dose and form must be maintained that would ensure its optimal bioavailability.

Keywords: vitamin C, scurvy, antioxidant, epigenetics, immunity, recurrent infection, allergy, deficiency, inflammation, evidence of deficiency, liposomal form