Adequate intake needed to prevent scurvy and provide antioxidant protection.
Adequate vitamin C intake can be accomplished through consumption of foodstuffs. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and potatoes are the major contributors of vitamin C in the diet of US adults and children.
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) in adults based on near maximal neutrophil concentrations with minimal urinary excretion of ascorbate.
Requirements slightly lower in women than men based on water-soluble nature of the vitamin and the larger lean body mass and total body water in males relative to females.
Adequate intake (AI) established for infants ≤6 months of age based on observed mean vitamin C intake of infants fed principally human milk; AI for infants 7–12 months of age based on vitamin C intake from human milk and solid food.
RDA for children 1–18 years of age based on data in adults.
Macular Degeneration
Suggested as a component of high-dose antioxidant supplements with zinc to reduce risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration† in high-risk patients (i.e., those with intermediate stage age-related macular degeneration or advanced stage macular degeneration in only one eye).
Methemoglobinemia
Has been used in the treatment of idiopathic methemoglobinemia†.
Dosage and Administration
Administration
Usually administered orally. May be administered by IM, IV, or sub-Q injection when oral administration is not feasible or when malabsorption is suspected.
Parenteral Administration
Preferred parenteral method of administration is IM.
Pressure may build within the vial during storage. Exercise care when withdrawing a dose and/or insert a vent needle (e.g., empty sterile syringe) into the vial to release the pressure.
IV Administration
Dilution
For solution and drug compatibility, see Compatibility under Stability.
Dilute with large volume of compatible parenteral fluid to minimize adverse reactions. Avoid rapid infusion.
100–300 mg daily for 1 month or until full recovery.
Dietary and Replacement Requirements
Oral
Infants ≤6 months of age: Recommended AI is 40 mg (about 6 mg/kg) daily.
Infants 7–12 months of age: Recommended AI is 50 mg (about 6 mg/kg) daily.
Children 1–3 years of age: RDA is 15 mg daily.
Children 4–8 years of age: RDA is 25 mg daily.
Children 9–13 years of age: RDA is 45 mg daily.
Boys 14–18 years of age: RDA is 75 mg daily.
Girls 14–18 years of age: RDA is 65 mg daily.
Adults
Scurvy
Treatment
Oral or IV
300 mg–1 g daily for 1 month or until full recovery.
Dietary and Replacement Requirements
Oral
Men ≥19 years of age: RDA is 90 mg daily.
Women ≥19 years of age: RDA is 75 mg daily.
Macular Degeneration
Oral
500 mg in combination with beta carotene 15 mg, vitamin E 400 units, and zinc (as zinc oxide) 80 mg, with copper (as cupric oxide) 2 mg (to prevent anemia) daily has been used.†
Idiopathic Methemoglobinemia
Oral
300–600 mg daily in divided doses has been used.†
Special Populations
Pregnant Women
RDA for pregnant women 14–18 years of age is 80 mg daily.
RDA for pregnant women 19–50 years of age is 85 mg daily.
Requirements increased in pregnant women to ensure transfer of adequate amounts of the vitamin to the fetus.
Lactating Women
RDA for lactating women 14–18 or 19–50 years of age is 115 or 120 mg daily, respectively.
Requirements increased in lactating women to ensure adequate concentration of the vitamin in milk.
Smokers
RDA increased by 35 mg daily.
Smoking increases oxidative stress and metabolic turnover of vitamin C.
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