How Vitamin C Gives Your Little Bulilit BIG Sustansya Through CereLAKAS meals

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water‑soluble vitamin, meaning the body doesn’t store it in large amounts, so your little one benefits from getting it regularly through food.¹ One of Vitamin C’s key roles is supporting normal immune function and helping protect cells from oxidative stress.¹ This matters in early childhood because as they learn and grow, children are exposed to bacteria and infection, and they need strong immunity to continue exploring.

Vitamin C also supports overall development in ways that go beyond “immune support.” It is required for collagen formation, which helps maintain healthy skin.¹^,² Collagen is part of how the body builds and repairs, which is very important for active toddlers who are constantly on the move.² Vitamin C also supports wound healing and interacts with other antioxidant systems in the body.¹

Another benefit of Vitamin C is that it can improve absorption of non‑heme iron (the form of iron found in plant foods and many fortified foods).⁴ This is useful during the toddler years because families often serve a mix of animal and plant foods, so supporting iron absorption through smart pairing can be a simple, everyday strategy.⁴

Remember: Vitamin C isn’t a magic shield against sickness, but it is a well-established nutrient that supports immune function, tissue building, and better use of iron from food.^¹,⁴

Vitamin C Sources That Fit Filipino Family Meals

Many Vitamin C foods are easy to find in the Philippines, depending on season and budget:

- Fruits: calamansi, oranges/mandarins, guava, papaya, mango  

- Vegetables: tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, leafy greens, potatoes  

Since Vitamin C can be reduced by prolonged cooking, it helps to offer fruits fresh when possible and cook vegetables gently (soft enough for your little one’s stage, but not overcooked).¹

Benefits of Tambalang CERELAC + Homemade for Vitamin C Intake

Because busy days are almost unavoidable, it’s helpful to have a feeding approach that’s realistic and repeatable. Tambalang CERELAC + Homemade combines the convenience of CERELAC with the freshness and variety of homemade meals, making it easier to include Vitamin C sources regularly (especially fruits and vegetables). This ensures that your little one’s meals are full of BIG Sustansya.¹

1. Easy “pairing” to support iron absorption  

A powerful nutrition move is pairing Vitamin C–rich foods with iron-containing foods, because Vitamin C can enhance non‑heme iron absorption.⁴ One serving of CERELAC actually contains 50% of a baby’s daily iron needs, meaning Tambalang CERELAC + Homemade can keep pairings simple. Here are some examples of our recipes that are high in Vitamin C:

- Apple Mango with Carrots Recipe

- Broccoli Bits Recipe

You don’t need perfect combinations at every meal. Just aim for these pairings often across the day or week.⁴

2. Variety without overwhelming a picky phase  

Toddlers may refuse food today and accept it next week. Keeping a familiar base (like CERELAC) while changing the add-ons (different fruits or soft veggies) can help your little one get exposed to more flavors and nutrients with less mealtime stress.¹

3. Convenience that still supports nutrition  

CERELAC can be a quick option when time is short, travel is involved, or your little one is extra hungry. The “Homemade” half of the pairing helps prevent meals from becoming repetitive.¹

Things to Remember

Keeping Vitamin C in your little one’s routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Aim for regular Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables as part of a varied diet. With the Tambalang CERELAC + Homemade approach, you can pair CERELAC with a variety of homemade foods to help bring more variety and nourishment to your little one’s meals, even on busy days.^1-3