Vitamin C [1]
Why do we study vitamin C intake?
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. It plays a crucial role in collagen production, which is necessary for the health of skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage. In addition, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods, supports the immune system, and protects cells from oxidative stress which are thought to play a role in the development of certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory disorders.
- Since vitamin C is not stored in the body, a regular intake through the diet is required. Rich dietary sources of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, bell peppers, potatoes and various types of cabbage. Ensuring a consistent intake of these foods is vital for maintaining optimal health and preventing deficiencies.
- A deficiency in vitamin C can result in reduced immunity, fatigue, and—in severe cases—scurvy, a condition characterized by weakness, bleeding gums, and delayed wound healing. While scurvy is rare today, low intakes of vitamin C may still negatively impact health, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, smokers, children, pregnant women, and individuals with poor or unbalanced diets.
- At the same time, the risk of adverse effects from high vitamin C intake through food is low, as excess amounts are excreted in the urine. However, very high doses from supplements can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Therefore, it is also important to monitor vitamin C intake from supplements.
How do we study it?
- The prevalence of inadequate vitamin C intake from food, and from food and supplements was estimated as the proportion of individuals with an habitual vitamin C intake below the reference values [2] set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which range from 15 mg/day to 40 mg/day for children aged 3–10 years, depending on age. For adolescents and adults, reference values differ by sex: 85 mg/day for boys and 75 mg/day for girls aged 11–17 years, and 110 mg/day for adult men and 95 mg/day for adult women.
- Habitual intake of vitamin C was analysed using the SPADE® program. A detailed description of the methodology used to estimate habitual vitamin C intake, the type of reference values used, and the age- and sex-specific intake recommendations can be found here [3].
KEY RESULTS
The mean intake of vitamin C in the total population is 72 mg/day and increased to 85 mg/day when supplements are taken into account
61% of the Belgian population has an inadequate vitamin C intake from food. This proportion decreases to 56% when supplements are also considered
68% of individuals with low educational level have an inadequate vitamin C intake from food. This is higher than in individuals with medium (59%) and high educational level (52%)
Mean vitamin C intake from food only in the Belgian population has decreased from 82 mg/day in 2014-2015 to 70 mg/day in 2022-2023
Vegetables (30%), fruit, nuts, seeds and olives (21%) and potatoes and other tubers (12%) are the largest contributors to vitamin C intake
Proportion of the population consuming a vitamin C-containing supplement
22% of the population in Belgium aged 3 years and older uses a vitamin C-containing supplement.
By sex
Mean intake of vitamin C (mg/day) in the population aged 3 years and older, by sex, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- The mean intake of vitamin C in the total population is 72 mg/day and increased to 85 mg/day when supplements are taken into account.
- Mean vitamin C intake from food is similar in men (73 mg/day) and women (71 mg/day).
- Mean vitamin C intake from food and supplements is 81 mg/day in men and 89 mg/day in women.
Proportion of the population aged 3 years and older with inadequate vitamin C intake, by sex, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- 61% of the Belgian population has an inadequate vitamin C intake from food. This proportion decreases to 56% when supplements are also considered.
- 64% of men and 58% of women have an inadequate vitamin C intake from food. This proportion decreases to 60% for men and 52% for women when supplements are also taken into account.
By age
Mean vitamin C intake (mg/day) in the population aged 3 years and older, by age, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Older adults (65 years and above) do not include those residing in care facilities, hospitalised individuals, or those who would have required significant assistance during interviews (e.g., people with cognitive impairments).
- Mean vitamin C intake from food is similar in children (3–9 years) and adolescents (10–17 years), at 65 mg/day and 63 mg/day, respectively. It increases in adulthood to 73 mg/day in adults (18–64 years) and 79 mg/day in older adults (65+ years).
- The same pattern is observed when supplements are also considered. Mean vitamin C intake from food and supplements is 73 mg/day in both children and adolescents, 87 mg/day in adults (18–64 years), and 95 mg/day in older adults (65+ years).
Proportion of the population aged 3 years and older with inadequate vitamin C intake, by age, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Older adults (65 years and above) do not include those residing in care facilities, hospitalised individuals, or those who would have required significant assistance during interviews (e.g., people with cognitive impairments).
- 15% of children (3–9 years) have an inadequate vitamin C intake from food. However, this increases to 62% in adolescents (10–17 years), 69% in adults (18–64 years), and 62% in older adults (65+ years).
- When supplements are also considered, a similar pattern is observed across age groups. The proportion of individuals with inadequate vitamin C intake is 13% in children, 58% in adolescents, 63% in adults (18–64 years), and 56% in older adults (65+ years).
By educational level
Mean vitamin C intake (mg/day) in the population aged 3 years and older, by educational level, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- The educational level is calculated at the household level by considering the highest diploma obtained by: (i) the respondents or their partner for adults (aged 18 years and above), or (ii) the father and mother (or carer, if applicable) for children and adolescents (aged 3 to 17 years). However, for simplicity, we refer to the educational level of individuals rather than the educational level of their households.
- The mean vitamin C intake from food is 68 mg/day in individuals with a low educational level and increases to 78 mg/day in individuals with a high educational level.
- A similar pattern is observed when considering vitamin C intake from both food and supplements, with an intake of 80 mg/day in individuals with a low educational level and 91 mg/day in those with a high educational level.
Proportion of the population aged 3 years and older with inadequate vitamin C intake, by educational level, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- The educational level is calculated at the household level by considering the highest diploma obtained by: (i) the respondents or their partner for adults (aged 18 years and above), or (ii) the father and mother (or carer, if applicable) for children and adolescents (aged 3 to 17 years). However, for simplicity, we refer to the educational level of individuals rather than the educational level of their households.
- 68% of individuals with low educational level have an inadequate vitamin C intake from food. This is higher than in individuals with medium and high educational level where 59% respectively 52% of individuals have an inadequate vitamin C intake.
- When considering food and supplements a similar pattern is observed across the educational levels with 62% of individuals with low educational level, 53% of individuals with medium educational level and 48% of individuals with high educational level having an inadequate intake of vitamin C.
By region
Mean vitamin C intake (mg/day) in the population aged 3 years and older, by region, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Brussels is excluded from the regional comparison due to an insufficient number of participants, but is included in the national data for Belgium.
- Mean vitamin C intake from food only is higher in Flanders (76 mg/day) than in Wallonia (65 mg/day).
- Mean vitamin C intake increases to 89 mg/day in Flanders and 79 mg/day in Wallonia when food and supplements are considered.
Proportion of the population aged 3 years and older with inadequate vitamin C intake, by region, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Brussels is excluded from the regional comparison due to an insufficient number of participants, but is included in the national data for Belgium.
- The proportion of the population with inadequate vitamin C intake from food is lower in Flanders (58%) than in Wallonia (67%).
- When supplements are also taken into account 53% of the Flanders population and 61% of the population of Wallonia still have an inadequate vitamin C intake.
By year
Mean vitamin C intake (mg/day) in the population aged 3 to 64 years, by year, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Mean vitamin C intake from food only in the Belgian population has decreased from 82 mg/day in 2014-2015 to 70 mg/day in 2022-2023.
- When including supplements, mean vitamin C intake was 91 mg/day in 2014-2015 and 83 mg/day in 2022-2023.
Proportion of the population aged 3 to 64 years with inadequate vitamin C intake, by year, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- The proportion of the population with an inadequate vitamin C intake from food increased from 52% in 2014-2015 to 61% in 2022-2023.
- When supplements are taken into account, a similar difference is observed, with 47% of the population having an inadequate intake in 2014-2015, and 56% in 2022-2023.
Contribution of food and supplements
Contribution of foods and supplements to vitamin C intake, in the population aged 3 years and older, Belgium: 2022-2023
- Crude = results weighted for season, age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
- Vegetables (30%), fruit, nuts, seeds and olives (21%) and potatoes and other tubers (12%) are the largest contributors to vitamin C intake in the Belgian population. Non-alcoholic beverages also provide a minor contribution (9%).
- The contribution of dietary supplements to vitamin C intake is 6%.
Please cite this page as: Sciensano. Micronutrients: Vitamin C, Food Consumption Survey 2022-2023, June 2025, Brussels, Belgium, https://www.sciensano.be/en/results-national-food-consumption-survey-2022-2023/micronutrients-vitamins/vitamin-c [1]