What does vitamin C do in a child's body?

Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. The body does not build up large reserves of it, so it needs to arrive regularly — from food or, when the diet falls short, from a supplement. This is one practical reason vitamin C products are taken as a routine rather than occasionally.

In the body, vitamin C is involved in several well-established processes that are relevant during childhood:

• protection of cells from oxidative stress — vitamin C acts as an antioxidant;
• collagen formation — collagen is a structural protein needed for normal skin, gums, bones and blood vessels, which is especially relevant while a child is growing;
• iron utilisation — vitamin C helps the body use iron from food more effectively, which is worth knowing if a child eats little meat or relies mostly on plant sources of iron.

These are roles of the vitamin as part of overall nutrition, not medicinal effects of the product — a vitamin C supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. The everyday sources of vitamin C remain fruit, berries and vegetables; a chewable tablet is a way to support intake in periods when meals are less varied, not a reason to skip fresh produce.