What Is the DV of Ascorbic Acid?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the current Daily Value (DV) for ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, for adults and children aged four years and older is 90 milligrams (mg). This standardized amount is used on nutrition and supplement facts labels to help consumers gauge the nutrient content of a single serving in the context of their total daily diet.

Quick Summary

The DV for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is 90 mg for adults and children four and older, as set by the FDA for food labels. This reference value helps consumers assess a product's nutritional contribution toward total daily intake.

Key Points

Daily Value (DV): The DV for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on food and supplement labels is 90 mg for adults and children aged 4+.
DV vs. RDA: The DV is a single value for labeling purposes, while the RDA is a more specific guideline based on age, sex, and life stage.
Antioxidant Power: Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damaging free radicals.
Essential for Health: This vitamin is vital for collagen production, wound healing, immune function, and iron absorption.
Dietary Sources: Excellent sources include many fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and broccoli.
Safety: High doses exceeding the 2,000 mg UL can cause gastrointestinal issues, but toxicity is rare for this water-soluble vitamin.
Labeling: The %DV on a label tells you how much of the 90 mg standard a single serving provides.

Understanding the Daily Value for Ascorbic Acid

The Daily Value (DV) for ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is 90 milligrams (mg) for individuals aged four years and older. This value is used on food and dietary supplement labels as a single reference point for most consumers. It is different from the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which provides more specific recommendations based on factors like age, sex, and life stage. For example, the RDA for adult men is 90 mg, while for adult women it is 75 mg. The percentage of the DV (%DV) on a product label indicates how much one serving contributes to the 90 mg standard.

The Critical Role of Ascorbic Acid in Your Health

Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin essential for health, as the body cannot produce it. Its key functions include:

Antioxidant: Protects cells from free radical damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Collagen Production: Crucial for creating collagen, vital for skin, bone, and tissue health and wound healing.
Immune Support: Helps various immune cells function properly.
Iron Absorption: Improves the absorption of iron from plant foods.

Comparing Daily Value (DV) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

It's important to understand the difference between the DV and RDA for ascorbic acid. The table below highlights their main distinctions.


Feature	Daily Value (DV)	Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
Purpose	Single reference for food/supplement labels for most consumers.	Meets needs of nearly all healthy individuals; varies by group.
Value Basis	Based on the highest RDA for non-pregnant, non-lactating adults (90 mg).	Varies by age, sex, and life stage.
Regulation	Set by the FDA.	Developed by the Food and Nutrition Board.
Example	90 mg for adults and children 4+ on labels.	90 mg for adult men, 75 mg for adult women.

Meeting Your Ascorbic Acid Needs with Food

Most individuals can meet their daily ascorbic acid requirements through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Since heat can destroy ascorbic acid, consuming some sources raw or lightly cooked is beneficial.

Excellent food sources include:

Fruits: Oranges, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe.
Vegetables: Bell peppers (red and green), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach.
Other: Tomato juice, fortified cereals.

For instance, a cup of chopped red bell pepper provides more than the 90 mg DV, while a medium orange provides close to the DV.

Potential Risks of High Intake

While ascorbic acid is water-soluble and excess is typically excreted, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 2,000 mg per day for adults. Consuming significantly more than the UL can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea. Individuals with certain conditions should be cautious with high doses and consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

The Daily Value of ascorbic acid is 90 mg for most adults and children aged four and older, serving as a standardized reference on nutrition labels. This vital vitamin acts as an antioxidant and is essential for collagen formation, immune function, and more. While the DV is a general guide, the RDA provides more specific recommendations based on individual factors. Consuming a varied diet of fruits and vegetables is the best way to meet your ascorbic acid needs and support overall health. Additional information can be found at the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Daily Value (DV) for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is 90 mg for adults and children aged 4 and older, as established by the FDA for product labels.

No, the DV is a standardized value for nutrition labels, while the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is a more specific intake guideline that varies based on an individual's age and gender.

Excellent food sources include fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and cantaloupe, as well as vegetables such as red and green peppers, broccoli, and spinach.

While it is unlikely to cause serious harm, doses above the 2,000 mg per day Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults can cause gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

Ascorbic acid is essential for its antioxidant properties, the production of collagen, boosting immune function, enhancing iron absorption, and overall tissue repair.

A severe deficiency in ascorbic acid can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by fatigue, bleeding gums, easy bruising, and poor wound healing.

Yes, ascorbic acid is water-soluble and can be destroyed by heat. Cooking methods like steaming or microwaving may help preserve more of the vitamin compared to boiling.