A Study of the Ascorbic Acid Requirements of Children of Early School Age

Abstract

The vitamin C requirements of five children between the ages of 7 and 12 years were studied. Blood values and urinary excretion of ascorbic acid were determined on levels of intake ranging from 55 to 145 mg. Following each level of intake a 300-mg. test dose was given to determine the stae of tissue saturation. The amount “retained” by the body, the blood concentration, and the response to the test dose were used as criteria for judging the nutrition of each subject in respect to vitamin C. Sixty-five milligrams of ascorbic acid were required by the two youngest children, and 75 mg. by the three oldest, to promote saturation on the basis of a 50% excretion of the test dose in 24 hours. These amounts were sufficient, also, to maintain blood levels above 0.7 mg. per 100 cc., and to allow for average “retention.” With other methods of interpretation the requirements varied from these amounts up to 125 mg.