Vitamin C for Kids’ Allergies - Does It Work?

Itching, sneezing, runny or stuffy noses, watering eyes…When your kid has allergies, you just want to make them feel better! 

It makes sense to consider vitamin C for allergies. After all, allergies are related to the immune system, and we know that vitamin C is an excellent support for immunity.

So, could more vitamin C “fix” what’s going on with your kid’s immune system when they have allergies? Read on to discover answers from research to parents’ top questions on vitamin C for allergies.

Can vitamin C help allergies?

Allergies are caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances (like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander) as dangerous invaders. This triggers an immune response, the release of histamine, and the symptoms of allergies.

Vitamin C has the potential to help with allergies in part because it’s a natural antihistamine. It works by reducing histamine levels.

“Vitamin C seems to reduce upper respiratory symptoms that seasonal or environmental allergies cause.” (Healthline)

Researchers have found that vitamin C might be good for treating problems like asthma and other breathing issues because it works as an antioxidant and helps control inflammation. 

One study looked at whether vitamin C can help with allergy-related conditions like asthma, runny nose, skin rashes, and eczema. This study showed that people who got high doses of vitamin C for their allergies saw significant improvement in their symptoms. 

Asthma and allergies are often related. Substances that cause allergy symptoms, like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, can also trigger asthma symptoms. Allergies can also directly affect the lungs and airways, leading to asthma. 

Research has even shown that vitamin C nasal spray can significantly reduce allergic rhinitis. (Sneezing, runny or blocked nose, coughing, runny, itchy, red and watery eyes.)

These are exciting findings because vitamin C is completely natural and has lots of benefits for kids besides potentially helping with allergies! 

What are the top vitamin C foods?

Will more vitamin C help your kid get relief from allergies? It’s worth trying because vitamin C foods are also healthy foods. 

Try adding one or more of these to your kid’s menu daily:

Source	Serving Size	Vitamin C
Kiwi	Per fruit	64 mg
Cantaloupe	1 cup diced	57 mg
Strawberries	1 cup whole berries	85 mg
Pineapple	1 cup chunks	79 mg
Mango	1 cup pieces	60 mg
Cherry tomatoes	½ cup	11 mg
Oranges	1 fruit	70 mg
Snow peas	1 cup	38 mg
Sweet red pepper	1 cup sliced	118 mg
Potato	1 medium	40 mg

Even if you have a picky eater, chances are they’ll say yes to at least a few of these vitamin C foods. 

Stuck in a mealtime power struggle? Try telling your kids that eating more vitamin C foods can help their allergies and keep them healthier. They may not believe you at first, but it’s eventually the healthy eating messages will stick!

How much vitamin C should a kid have?

The answer is that kids should have at least the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C every day and not exceed the “upper limit.”

Kids who meet the RDA for vitamin C will have enough to meet their bodies’ needs. Less than the RDA could put a child at risk for deficiency and won’t be enough for kids to get the protective effects of vitamin C, for example in possibly reducing allergies.

Now, the "upper limit" is the maximum amount of vitamin C a child should get daily without having to worry about side effects like stomach discomfort. (We’ll talk more about this below.)

There is a huge gap between the RDA and the upper limit. So, should you keep your kid’s intake of vitamin C closer to the RDA or the upper limit? Well, some people say the RDA for vitamin C is based on outdated studies and may be too low. 

First, don’t be afraid to give your kid plenty of vitamin C foods! Fruits and veggies are high in vitamin C, but it’s highly unlikely your kid will eat too many of these super-nutritious foods.

To top up their intake of vitamin C, you can opt for a kid-friendly vitamin C supplement, like Renzo’s Invincible Vitamin C (with 45mg of vitamin C per melty tab).

Getting enough vitamin C may help protect kids from some symptoms of allergies, and it will certainly help them grow strong and healthy! What are good sources of vitamin C for kids?

How much vitamin C is safe for a child?

Use the “upper limit” numbers above as a guideline. Consuming too much vitamin C can lead to several side effects, although it's generally considered safe and non-toxic. Vitamin C is water-soluble, and the body flushes it out every day.

Kids can get tummy troubles from doses of vitamin C that are too high. That said, your kids would have to take a lot of vitamin C to be at risk for discomfort. 

The risk of kids getting too much vitamin C is low! It’s beneficial for so many reasons, we recommend your little ones get at least the RDA.

What’s the best vitamin C for allergies? 

When it comes to kids, the best vitamin C is one that’s made with quality ingredients and free from the bad stuff! Oh, and your kids have to like it, too.

What’s the bad stuff? Sugar is the number one sneaky additive in kids’ supplements. The sugar in gummy vitamins and chewables can add up fast. It’s easy for kids to reach their daily limit of sugar from supplements alone! 

Also, research shows us that sugar is fuel for allergies. It causes inflammation and stress on the immune system. Cutting back on sugar can help reduce seasonal allergies.

So, choose vitamins that are sugar-free, like Renzo’s Invincible Vitamin C. It tastes like juicy oranges, melts in their mouths, and is sweetened with the magic of monk fruit.

What other vitamins help with allergies?

Vitamin C doesn’t stand alone in the fight against allergies. Other nutrients can help with allergy relief and prevention.

• Vitamin D
• Probiotics
• Zinc
• Flavonoids
• Quercetin
• Bromelain
• Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
• Omega-3 Fish Oil
• Butterbur (Petadolex)
• Pycnogenol

At the top of the list, vitamin D, probiotics, and zinc are the most well-known and there’s good evidence to support these as supplements for allergies.

Research shows that vitamin D can help with asthma and wheezing. It can also help to prevent the release of chemicals that cause and worsen allergic diseases. 

Other studies show that probiotics can regulate the immune system in the respiratory system. Healthy bacteria appear to reduce the hyperreactive immune response and reduce inflammation.

Famous for fighting colds and flu, zinc can help allergies, too. Zinc supports the immune system and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Research shows it helps the respiratory system!

So, vitamin D, probiotics and zinc are a great place to start after you’ve added vitamin C for allergies. If you look for allergy-supporting supplements, make sure they’re formulated and approved for kids! Renzo’s allergy bundle includes vitamin C, probiotics, and a multivitamin with vitamin D and zinc.

Vitamin C for the win (for allergies and more)!

If your kid has allergies, vitamin C is one nutrient they should get every day. It's super important for keeping kids healthy and strong. Plus, it seems to work as a natural antihistamine and relieve some of the more annoying symptoms of allergies.

Remember, getting enough vitamin C is key for kids — but don't stress about going overboard. It's hard for kids or adults to get too much of this vitamin from diet.

If you're thinking about a vitamin C supplement, pick one that's just right for kids, like Renzo’s Invincible Vitamin C – it's tasty and has no added sugar. You can also get this super-star supplement as part of Renzo’s Allergy Bundle for all-around support and protection.

Stay healthy and have fun!