Vitamin C is essential for nurturing a resilient immune system, and during pregnancy, it plays a crucial role in fostering collagen production, vital for the health of your tendons, bones, and skin, benefiting both you and your baby. Including citrus fruits and a diverse array of other vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet is advisable to meet your pregnancy-related needs. Given the accessibility of adequate vitamin C through dietary sources and prenatal vitamins, resorting to additional vitamin C supplements is typically unnecessary.
Why is vitamin C necessary during pregnancy?
Both you and your baby require a daily dose of vitamin C because it's utilized by your bodies to produce collagen, a key structural protein vital for the formation of cartilage, tendons, bones, and skin. Additionally, vitamin C plays a critical role in maintaining a strong immune system. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is essential for tissue repair, wound healing, bone growth and repair, and promoting healthy skin. It helps your body combat infections and acts as an antioxidant, shielding cells from damage. Furthermore, vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron also helps in iron tablets and other iron supplements as well, particularly from vegetarian sources. Some of the major symptoms of lacking vitamin C includes fatigue, inflamed gums, delayed wound healing, bruising, and parched skin which can be commonly diagnose by a person.
What is the recommended vitamin C intake for pregnant women?
Pregnant women require a higher amount of vitamin C compared to those who are not pregnant, with breastfeeding women needing even more. The recommended daily intake varies based on age:
- Pregnant women aged 18 and younger: 80 milligrams (mg) per day
- Pregnant women aged 19 and older: 85 mg per day
- Breastfeeding women aged 18 and younger: 115 mg per day
- Breastfeeding women aged 19 and older: 120 mg per day
For nonpregnant women, the recommended daily intake is:
- Nonpregnant women aged 18 and younger: 65 mg per day
- Nonpregnant women aged 19 and older: 75 mg per day
Is a vitamin C supplement necessary during pregnancy?
Typically, taking an additional dietary supplement is unnecessary. You can readily obtain the required vitamin C from fruits, vegetables, and your prenatal vitamins, which already include vitamin C.
It's advisable to avoid consuming excessive doses of vitamin C during pregnancy. The maximum daily safe limit is 1800 mg for women aged 18 and younger and 2000 mg for those 19 and older. Overconsumption of vitamin C may lead to stomach discomfort, and further research is required to comprehend its potential impact on pregnancy outcomes.
