Vitamin C ビタミンC

In Japan: Foods with Nutrient Function Claims and the Dietary Reference Intakes

Wording allowed (current)

“Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes and has an antioxidant effect.”

Amount per daily serving

30-1,000 mg (within this range, the wording above may be used without notification)

Proposed revision

“Vitamin C is one of the nutrients that helps protect cells through its antioxidant effect.”

“Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps collagen synthesis in the skin, mucous membranes, bones, and blood vessels.”

“Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps the absorption of iron.”

Amount: 30-1,000 mg

Referred to the Consumer Commission on July 17, 2026. The proposal includes a transition period allowing the current wording until March 31, 2030.

Dietary Reference Intakes (2025, ages 30–49)

Recommended dietary allowance 100 mg (men and women) / tolerable upper intake level: not set

In the EU: the register of health claims

EU-authorised claimIn the register: 15 authorised, 4 not authorised

• Claims such as immune function, collagen formation, iron absorption, and reduction of tiredness are authorised.

In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.

What the US NIH says

• Many trials and meta-analyses show that vitamin C supplements are not effective for preventing cancer or heart disease.
• Taking a lot can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other effects.

Sources: MHLW eJIM "Vitamin C"

Other ingredients in the same categories

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12
• Folate (folic acid)