Recommended Daily Vitamin C Intake for a 28-Year-Old Female Weighing 37 kg
The recommended daily vitamin C intake for a 28-year-old female weighing 37 kg is 75 mg per day. 1
Evidence-Based Recommendation
According to the Dietary Reference Intakes established by the Food and Nutrition Board, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C in adult women is 75 mg per day 1. This recommendation is based on vitamin C's role as an antioxidant and for prevention of deficiency.
While some guidelines suggest weight-based adjustments for certain nutrients, the established RDA for vitamin C is not typically adjusted for body weight in adults. The standard recommendation applies across the adult female population regardless of weight.
Key Considerations
Standard Recommendations by Age and Gender
Special Circumstances That May Increase Requirements
- Pregnancy: No adjustment needed
- Lactation: No adjustment needed
- Smoking: Would require increased intake (approximately 35% more) 3
- Certain medical conditions: May require higher doses 2
Clinical Context
For a 28-year-old female weighing 37 kg with no mentioned health conditions:
- The standard RDA of 75 mg/day is appropriate
- This amount is sufficient to:
- Prevent vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
- Support immune function
- Maintain adequate antioxidant protection
- Support collagen synthesis
Practical Dietary Sources
To achieve the recommended 75 mg daily intake:
- One medium orange provides approximately 70 mg
- One cup of strawberries provides about 85 mg
- Half cup of red bell pepper provides about 95 mg
- One kiwi fruit provides about 70 mg
Upper Limit Considerations
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for vitamin C is 2,000 mg per day 1. Exceeding this amount may cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and other digestive issues.
Alternative Perspectives
Some research suggests that higher vitamin C intakes may be beneficial:
- A study with healthy young women indicated that the RDA should potentially be increased to 90 mg daily 4
- German, Austrian, and Swiss nutrition societies recommend approximately 95 mg/day for adult women 3
- Some researchers advocate for supplementation up to 1 g daily for optimal health 5
However, the most established and evidence-based recommendation remains 75 mg daily for adult women, as supported by the Food and Nutrition Board guidelines 1.