15 Foods High in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that protects the body against many chronic diseases. It is primarily found in fruits and vegetables and is vital for overall health and well-being. Here is a list of the top foods high in vitamin C so you can increase your dietary intake.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential micronutrient. Vitamin C is naturally present in many whole foods, added to others, and found in supplement form. Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C, therefore, it must be obtained through food sources or dietary supplements ⁽¹⁾.

Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C functions as a powerful antioxidant, is important for immune system function, and is required for collagen production ^{(1, 2)}. Collagen is the most abundant type of protein in the body and plays a vital role in wound healing and skin health, and the antioxidant effects of vitamin C protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also improves the absorption of nonheme iron, the form of iron present in plant-based foods ⁽³⁾.

An insufficient intake of vitamin C can lead to various health problems, including scurvy, which can be seen by general weakness, fatigue, irritability, and joint pain, and can lead to bleeding gums, loosened teeth, and bleeding under the skin ⁽⁴⁾.

How much vitamin C do you need?

The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C varies by age and life stage ⁽⁵⁾:

• Birth to 6 months: 40 mg/day
• Infants 7-12 months: 50 mg/day
• Children 1-3 years: 15 mg/day
• Children 4-8 years: 25 mg/day
• Children 9-13 years: 45 mg/day
• Teens 14–18 years (boys): 75 mg/day
• Teens 14–18 years (girls): 65 mg/day
• Adults (men): 90 mg/day
• Adults (women): 75 mg/day
• Pregnant (teens): 80 mg/day
• Pregnant (women): 85 mg/day
• Breastfeeding (teens): 115 mg/day
• Breastfeeding (women): 120 mg/day

The RDAs for vitamin C are based on its known physiological and antioxidant functions in white blood cells and are much higher than the amount required for protection from deficiency ⁽⁵⁾.

While most Americans meet their daily RDA for vitamin C, certain populations may not. This includes individuals who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke, individuals who eat a very limited variety of food, and individuals with medical conditions such as malabsorption, kidney disease, and cancer ⁽⁶⁾.

Note: For the purpose of the article, an RDA of 90 mg was used to calculate the percentage intake.

Can you take too much vitamin C?

Taking too much vitamin C can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, however, these symptoms will dissipate when you decrease consumption. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin C is 2,000 milligrams (2 grams) per day for adults ⁽⁵⁾.

List of Foods High in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is primarily found in fruits and vegetables. Here is a list of the best vitamin C-rich foods.

1. Guava

Guava is a tropical fruit and one of the best sources of vitamin C. The different varieties of guava vary in size and color, with yellow or light green skin and white, pink, or red flesh. They can be eaten whole, peeled, or sliced, and they have a sweet and tangy flavor. A 1-fruit serving of guava (55 grams) contains 125 mg of vitamin C ⁽⁷⁾.

2. Blackcurrants

Blackcurrants, also known as black currants or cassis, are another great source of vitamin C. These small, dark purple, almost black berries have a tangy and tart flavor and are commonly used in jams, preserves, and syrups. Black currants are a great source of antioxidants and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects ⁽⁸⁾. A 1-cup serving of blackcurrants (112 grams) contains 203 mg of vitamin C ⁽⁹⁾.

3. Bell Peppers

Also known as capsicum, bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. While all colors of bell pepper contain vitamin C, orange bell pepper contains the most. Other forms of peppers, such as red and green chili peppers, are also good sources of vitamin C. Bell peppers can be eaten raw, grilled, roasted, sautéed, or added to chili, soups, pasta, or stuffed peppers. A medium-sized orange bell pepper (119 grams) contains 188 mg of vitamin C ⁽¹⁰⁾.

4. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are the vegetable with the highest vitamin C content. A member of the cabbage family, this cruciferous vegetable is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Brussels sprouts can be boiled, steamed, roasted, fried, or shredded and added to coleslaw and salads. A 1-cup serving of raw Brussels sprouts (88 grams) contains 126 mg of vitamin C ⁽¹¹⁾.

5. Kale

Kale is a cruciferous vegetable and the leafy green with the most vitamin C. Be it curly, baby, or Lacinato, kale is rich in micronutrients, including vitamin K, and powerful antioxidants. Kale can be eaten raw in salads, sautéed as a side dish, or cooked into soups, stews, and casseroles. While cooking slightly reduces kale’s vitamin C content, it makes it less bitter and more palatable ⁽¹²⁾. A 1-cup serving of raw kale (20.6 grams) contains 19 mg of vitamin C ⁽¹³⁾.

6. Broccoli

Broccoli is another cruciferous vegetable that is rich in vitamin C. This nutrient-rich vegetable is full of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other bioactive compounds, which have been shown to support overall health and wellness, including cancer prevention and reduced inflammation ⁽¹⁵⁾. Broccoli can be blanched, steamed, sautéed, grilled, or roasted, and works well in stir-fries and salads. A 1-cup serving of chopped broccoli (91 grams) contains 81 mg of vitamin C ⁽¹⁶⁾.

7. Papayas

Papaya is a green tropical fruit with a soft, fleshy orange interior filled with black seeds, and is a good source of vitamin C. Research has shown that papaya may have health benefits beyond its vitamin C content, including potent antioxidant properties and antimicrobial properties that aid in wound recovery ⁽¹⁷⁾. Moreover, papaya extract has been shown to work as a natural digestive aid to improve digestion. A 1-cup serving of diced papaya (145 grams) contains 88 mg of vitamin C ⁽¹⁸⁾.

8. Snow Peas

Snow peas are a good source of vitamin C, providing roughly 66% of the recommended daily intake per serving. These edible pods are also good sources of fiber and can be steamed or sautéed into stir-fries. A 1-cup serving of chopped snow peas (98 grams) contains 59 mg of vitamin C ⁽¹⁹⁾.

9. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and are one of the best anti-inflammatory foods. These sweet little red fruits contain anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids, which modulate pro-inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes, and signaling pathways ^(20, 21). While frozen berries contain slightly less vitamin C than fresh berries, all forms of strawberries are good sources of micronutrients and contribute to the recommended daily intake. A 1-cup serving of sliced strawberries (166 grams) contains 99 mg of vitamin C ⁽²²⁾.

10. Oranges

Citrus fruits are well-known for being good sources of vitamin C, and oranges are one of the best. Oranges, as well as fresh orange juice, are rich in antioxidants, relatively low in sugar, and are some of the most hydrating foods. A 1-fruit serving of orange (140 grams) contains 83 mg of vitamin C ⁽²³⁾.

11. Kiwis

Kiwis provide several nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, copper, vitamin K, folate, and dietary fiber. Notably, kiwis contain one-third soluble and two-thirds insoluble, which help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, aid digestion, and prevent constipation ⁽²⁴⁾. A 2-fruit serving of kiwis (148 grams) contains 87 mg of vitamin C ⁽²⁵⁾.

12. Red Cabbage

Cabbage is another cruciferous vegetable that is high in vitamin C. Red cabbage contains roughly 57% of the recommended daily intake per serving and is also a good source of prebiotic fiber. Cabbage can be eaten raw in coleslaw or salads, sautéed into stir-fries, cooked into soups, or fermented into sauekraut. A 1-cup serving of chopped cabbage (89 grams) contains 51 mg of vitamin C ⁽²⁶⁾.

13. Lemons

Along with oranges, lemons are another citrus fruit high in vitamin C. Lemon juice specifically is a good source of vitamin C, as a 1/4 cup serving of lemon juice contains 25 mg of vitamin C, roughly 28% of the recommended daily intake ⁽²⁷⁾. Lemons can be eaten whole, used in dressings, sauces, and marinades, or added to water or homemade sports drinks. A 1-fruit serving of raw lemon without the peel (84 grams) contains 45 mg of vitamin C ⁽²⁸⁾.

14. Grapefruit

Grapefruits are also high in vitamin C. This low-calorie, low-sugar fruit has also been shown to support immune function, prevent insulin resistance, prevent diabetes, and decrease the risk of kidney stones ^{(29, 30, 31)}. A 1/2-cup serving of raw grapefruit (123 grams) contains 46 mg of vitamin C ⁽³²⁾.

15. Limes

Much like lemons, limes contain a good amount of vitamin C. Limes can be eaten raw or added to beverages, while lime juice can be used in sauces, dressings, marinades, and smoothies. A 1-fruit serving of raw lime (67 grams) contains 20 mg of vitamin C ⁽³³⁾.

Ranking of Vitamin C Foods

All nutrition data is based on FoodData Central.

What foods are fortified with vitamin C?

Some foods and beverages are fortified with vitamin C. Fortification is a process by which vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are added to foods to provide consumers with sufficient but not excessive amounts of certain nutrients ⁽³⁴⁾. Certain breakfast cereals, dehydrated potatoes, fruit juices, infant formulas, and meal replacements are fortified with vitamin C.

To determine if a processed food is fortified with vitamin C, read the nutrition facts label and the ingredient list.

Should you take vitamin C supplements?

While most people meet the RDA for vitamin C, supplementation may be beneficial for certain individuals. Research has shown that the mean intakes of vitamin C are 105.2 mg per day for adult males and 83.6 mg per day for adult females, meeting the currently established RDA for most nonsmoking adults ⁽³⁵⁾. Individuals who regularly smoke, eat a limited diet, or those at risk for deficiency may benefit from vitamin C supplements.

Vitamin C can be taken as an isolated supplement or as part of a multivitamin supplement. The vitamin C in supplements is found in the form of ascorbic acid, which has equivalent bioavailability to that of naturally occurring ascorbic acid in foods ^{(36, 37)}.

It’s important to speak with a medical professional or registered dietitian before taking vitamin C supplements, particularly during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin found in food sources and dietary supplements. Foods rich in vitamin C include guava, blackcurrants, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, papayas, snow peas, strawberries, and oranges. Regularly eating fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure you’re consuming enough vitamin C.