Is Ceelin (Vitamin C supplement) appropriate for a 12.5kg child?

Ceelin (Vitamin C) Dosing for a 12.5kg Child

For a 12.5kg child, Ceelin (vitamin C supplement) at the formulation 40/5/1 is not a standard pediatric dosing format, and the appropriate vitamin C dose should be 15-25 mg/kg/day (187.5-312.5 mg/day total) for children under 12 months or 80 mg/day for older children, administered as a single daily supplement if needed. 1

Understanding the Formulation Issue

The notation "40/5/1" does not correspond to any standard vitamin C (Ceelin) formulation in pediatric guidelines. Common Ceelin formulations include:

• Drops: typically 100 mg/mL
• Syrup: typically 100 mg/5mL or similar concentrations 1

You must verify the actual formulation with the product label before administering any dose.

Age-Appropriate Vitamin C Dosing

For Infants Under 12 Months (if applicable)

• Recommended dose: 15-25 mg/kg/day 1
• For a 12.5kg infant: 187.5-312.5 mg/day total
• This dose maintains normal serum concentrations and prevents deficiency 1

For Children Over 12 Months

• Recommended dose: 80 mg/day 1
• This is substantially lower than the infant dose per kilogram
• Older children require less vitamin C per kilogram of body weight 1

Clinical Indications for Supplementation

Vitamin C supplementation is only indicated in specific circumstances:

• Children on parenteral nutrition unable to receive enteral feeds 1
• Documented vitamin C deficiency or scurvy risk 2, 3
• Severe malnutrition states 2
• Certain chronic inflammatory conditions with increased oxidative stress 1

Routine vitamin C supplementation is NOT recommended for healthy children with adequate dietary intake. 3, 4

Safety Considerations

Maximum Safe Doses

• Vitamin C is relatively safe with wide therapeutic margins 3, 5
• Doses up to 48 mg/kg/day in premature infants resulted in elevated but non-toxic serum levels 1
• However, excessive supplementation provides no additional benefit 3, 6

Potential Adverse Effects

• Gastrointestinal effects: Diarrhea or mild nausea with high doses 5
• Renal concerns: Caution in children with history of kidney stones (oxalate formation risk) 3, 5
• Iron overload: Exercise caution in conditions with iron overload as vitamin C enhances iron absorption 2, 5
• Drug interactions: May interfere with certain medications and laboratory tests 5

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

Do not administer vitamin C supplementation without:

1. Confirming the actual product formulation and concentration
2. Determining the child's age (dosing differs significantly between infants and older children) 1
3. Establishing a clear clinical indication for supplementation 3
4. Assessing dietary vitamin C intake from food sources (citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes) 2

Most healthy children obtain adequate vitamin C from diet alone and do not require supplementation. 3, 4