Ascorbic acid has been known to us for many centuries and its properties are highly appreciated. It is of great importance for our immune system and participates in numerous processes taking place deep in the body. Vitamin C deficiencies are very dangerous for us, and overdose of vitamin C in nature does not occur. Artificially induced are only minor inconveniences. However, the situation is slightly different during pregnancy.

Vitamin C - action

The number of interactions of vitamin C in the human body is very high. This includes participation in the synthesis of adrenal hormones, catching free radicals, stabilization of oxidative potential and many others. Vitamin C is present in almost all processes of the immune system and is very important for the absorption of iron.

Our demand for vitamin C is difficult to determine. It is estimated that the minimum for an adult person is 45-90mg. Vitamin C is common in our foods and although it is by far the most abundant in vegetables and fruits such as cabbage and broccoli, other foods also have a lot of it. As a result, there is basically no greater risk of creating a serious shortage if our diet is fairly varied and is not based solely on highly processed foods.

Vitamin C in pregnancy - deficiency

Nevertheless, the real demand for vitamin C can increase in various situations in the body. An example of such a situation is pregnancy. Too little vitamin C in the mother's body during pregnancy will cause problems with the proper development of the baby's nervous system. Such children then have problems with concentration and memory. Large vitamin C deficiencies should be combined with damage to blood vessels, poorer healing of wounds, swelling of gums, joints and muscles, appetite deficiency, osteoporosis and mental problems such as depression. There is also anaemia, mucositis develops and the body is susceptible to infection. All of these issues have an impact on the child.

Vitamin C in pregnancy - excess

Taking very high doses of vitamin C for prophylactic purposes is not a good solution here. Overdose of vitamin C will disturb the development of the fetus. Such conclusions are, for the time being, based on animal testing. For obvious reasons, no such research was carried out on people. If you take any vitamin C supplements, you should consult a gynaecologist, preferably before you become pregnant.