What Vitamin Is In An Apple? A Comprehensive Nutritional Breakdown

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Apples are a source of vitamins and minerals, with studies showing they provide an array of antioxidants that combat free radicals in the body. Beyond their natural sweetness and fiber, the humble apple also packs a variety of essential vitamins that contribute to its well-known health benefits.

Quick Summary

Apples contain various vitamins, primarily a notable amount of vitamin C, and smaller quantities of vitamin K, E, and B-complex vitamins like B1, B2, and B6.

Key Points

Vitamin C Source: Apples are a notable source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and promotes skin health.
Skin-Deep Nutrients: The majority of an apple's vitamins and antioxidants, including higher levels of Vitamin K, are found in the skin, making unpeeled apples more nutritious.
B-Complex Benefits: Apples contain B-complex vitamins like B1, B2, and B6, which contribute to healthy metabolism and nervous system function.
Antioxidant Power: Beyond vitamins, apples are rich in antioxidants like quercetin and catechins, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Supports Overall Health: The combination of vitamins, fiber, and water makes apples a filling, low-calorie snack that aids in digestion, weight management, and regulating blood sugar levels.

The Prominent Vitamin: Vitamin C

When considering what vitamin is in an apple, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the most prominent. As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C is crucial for many functions within the body. It helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, supports immune function, and is essential for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. A single medium-sized apple can provide a significant portion of a person's daily recommended vitamin C needs.

Functions of Vitamin C from Apples

Immune system support: Acts as a natural defense against infections and diseases.
Skin health: Promotes the production of collagen, a protein vital for healthy skin.
Heart health: Alongside other antioxidants, it plays a role in protecting cardiovascular health.

A Supporting Cast of Other Essential Vitamins

While Vitamin C gets the most attention, apples contain a range of other important vitamins, though often in smaller amounts. These include:

Vitamin K

Found primarily in the skin of the apple, Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. This nutrient helps the body produce proteins that aid in coagulation and supports the strengthening of bones. Leaving the skin on your apple is key to maximizing your intake of this vitamin.

B-Complex Vitamins

Apples are home to several B-complex vitamins, which are vital for maintaining red blood cells and a healthy nervous system.

Thiamin (B1): Plays a role in converting food into energy.
Riboflavin (B2): Important for energy production and cellular function.
Niacin (B3): Supports digestion and nerve function.
Pyridoxine (B6): Essential for maintaining red blood cell and nervous system health.

Vitamin E

This vitamin acts as another antioxidant, helping to protect cells and contribute to a stronger immune system. While present in smaller quantities compared to other vitamins, its presence adds to the overall health benefits of the fruit.

The Unpeeled Truth: Why Eating the Skin Matters

For the most nutritional bang for your buck, always eat your apples with the skin on. A significant amount of the apple's vitamins and antioxidants are concentrated in the peel. According to nutritional analyses, apples with their skin on have significantly higher levels of Vitamin A, C, and K, along with a higher concentration of antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and catechin. Peeling the fruit removes much of this nutrient-dense layer, reducing its overall health value.

A Quick Look at Apple Vitamin Variations

While most apple varieties share a similar basic nutritional profile, there can be slight variations in the vitamin and antioxidant content depending on the specific type and color of the apple. For instance, highly pigmented red apples, like the Red Delicious, are known for their high antioxidant levels in the skin.

Comparison of Apple Varieties (per 100g, with skin)


Nutrient	Granny Smith	Red Delicious	Fuji
Vitamin C (mg)	6 mg	9.1 mg	14 mg
Vitamin K (mcg)	5.6 mcg	6.6 mcg	Not specified
B Vitamins	Presence noted	Presence noted	Presence noted
Antioxidants	Moderate	Very High	High

The Complete Nutritional Picture

Beyond just vitamins, apples are packed with other nutrients that contribute to their health benefits. A medium-sized apple is low in calories but rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Apples also contain important minerals like potassium, which supports heart health, and trace amounts of calcium and magnesium. The combination of fiber, water, and low glycemic load makes them an excellent and satisfying snack.

Conclusion: A Nutritious and Versatile Fruit

In conclusion, the most prominent vitamin in an apple is Vitamin C, but it is far from the only one. Apples also contain valuable amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and several B-complex vitamins, particularly when the skin is consumed. To maximize your intake of these nutrients and powerful antioxidants, always opt for eating the apple raw and unpeeled. Incorporating apples into your daily diet is a simple and effective way to boost your intake of essential vitamins, fiber, and other beneficial compounds that support overall health.

For more detailed nutritional information and studies on the health benefits of apples, see the information provided by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while an apple provides a good amount of Vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients, it does not supply all the vitamins your body requires daily. A balanced diet incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other food groups is necessary for comprehensive nutrition.

Yes, cooking can reduce the vitamin content, particularly Vitamin C, which is heat-sensitive. Eating apples raw and with the skin on is the best way to preserve the highest amount of vitamins and antioxidants.

Yes, studies have shown that the peel of an apple is far more nutrient-dense than the flesh. It contains significantly higher levels of fiber, vitamins (like K, A, and C), and potent antioxidants.

Yes, there can be slight variations in the vitamin and antioxidant content depending on the apple variety. For example, studies suggest that some varieties, like Red Delicious, may contain higher concentrations of antioxidants in their brightly colored skin.

Apple seeds do contain a small amount of a cyanide compound, but it is released only when the seeds are chewed or crushed. The average person would have to consume and chew a very large number of seeds to experience any harmful effects, so accidentally swallowing a few is not a concern.

Yes, due to their high fiber and water content, apples can be a satisfying and healthy snack that helps you feel full for longer on fewer calories. This can help manage appetite and support weight loss goals.

In addition to vitamins, apples offer fiber for digestive health, antioxidants that fight inflammation and may lower cholesterol, and a low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar.