Quick answer
NIH sets the upper limit for vitamin C at 400 mg a day for ages 1 to 3, 650 mg at 4 to 8, 1,200 mg at 9 to 13 and 1,800 mg at 14 to 18, and gives 15 to 75 mg a day as the amount needed. Too much most often causes diarrhea, nausea and cramps.1,2
Key facts
- The amounts NIH gives rise from 15 mg a day at ages 1 to 3 to 75 mg for boys and 65 mg for girls at 14 to 18.1,2
- The upper limits are 400, 650, 1,200 and 1,800 mg a day across the four age bands from 1 to 18.1,2
- NIH says average vitamin C intakes from food and drink among children aged 1 to 18 range from about 76 to 100 mg a day, meeting the recommended amounts.1
- About 29% of children take a dietary supplement that contains vitamin C, according to NIH.1
- For infants, NIH says formula and food should be the only sources of vitamin C.1
What are the vitamin C upper limits for children and teens?
The limits count vitamin C from food, drinks and supplements together. NIH says that long-term intakes above the limit may increase the risk of adverse health effects, and that the limits do not apply to people given vitamin C as medical treatment by a doctor.1
| Age | Amount NIH gives a day | Upper limit a day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 years | 15 mg | 400 mg |
| 4 to 8 years | 25 mg | 650 mg |
| 9 to 13 years | 45 mg | 1,200 mg |
| 14 to 18 years | 75 mg for boys, 65 mg for girls | 1,800 mg |
Children need 15 mg a day at ages 1 to 3, 25 mg at 4 to 8 and 45 mg at 9 to 13. Teens aged 14 to 18 need 75 mg for boys and 65 mg for girls.1
What happens if a child or teen takes too much vitamin C?
NIH says vitamin C has low toxicity and that high doses do not cause serious adverse effects. The common complaints are gut upset caused by vitamin C that is not absorbed drawing water into the gut.1
High doses can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and other gut upset, because vitamin C that is not absorbed draws water into the gut.1,2
MedlinePlus says serious side effects of too much vitamin C are very rare, and that doses above 2,000 mg a day can cause stomach upset and diarrhea and, rarely, kidney stones. The sources checked do not report these effects specifically in children.3
What about vitamin C gummies and skin products for teens?
The sources checked did not test gummies or chewable vitamin C products in children. A label shows the amount per serving, and a pediatrician or pharmacist can compare it with the table above, and with any other supplement or fortified food.1
On skin, a review of vitamin C says normal skin holds high levels of the vitamin, which it uses to make collagen and as an antioxidant, and that how well vitamin C applied to the skin works, compared with getting enough in the diet, is poorly understood. It does not address teens.4
How well vitamin C applied to the skin works, compared with getting enough in the diet, is poorly understood.4
Who should ask a doctor about vitamin C for a child or teen
- Parents of a child who takes vitamin C gummies or chewables with a multivitamin, who should ask the pediatrician to add up the amounts.1
- Parents of a child with hemochromatosis or another cause of iron overload, kidney stones or kidney disease.1
- Parents of a child with a blood glucose meter, since high vitamin C intakes might cause false readings on some meters.5
Questions people ask
Is vitamin C safe for kids?
NIH sets upper limits of 400 mg a day at ages 1 to 3 and 650 mg at 4 to 8. The common effects of too much are diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. Ask your pediatrician about any supplement.1
Is vitamin C good for teens?
NIH gives 75 mg a day for teen boys and 65 mg for teen girls, and says average intakes among children and teens meet the recommended amounts. Ask your doctor before a teen starts a supplement.1
Is vitamin C safe for teens' skin?
The sources checked do not address teens or skin products. A review says how well vitamin C works on skin is poorly understood. Ask a doctor or dermatologist.4
Is vitamin C okay for teens to take every day?
NIH sets an upper limit of 1,800 mg a day for ages 14 to 18, from all sources, and gives 75 mg for boys and 65 mg for girls. Ask your doctor about a daily supplement.1
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Sources
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated July 31, 2025. Opened 2026-10-07.
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Consumers. Updated March 22, 2021. Opened 2026-10-07.
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Vitamin C. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Review date 1/21/2025. Opened 2026-10-11.
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Opened 2026-10-07.
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Immune Function and Infectious Diseases: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated March 10, 2025. Opened 2026-10-07.
This page is information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.