Vitamins mean a lot to our body, especially during pregnancy. Vitamin C comes with particular exemplary benefits for you and your developing baby. This article attempts to explore its essentiality during pregnancy.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is also an antioxidant; which means it is able to neutralize free radicals. Vitamin C plays an important role in the resistance of the body to infection. It is necessary to scar formation and wound healing, as well as increasing or improving the absorption of iron from various foods. Iron is essential for the prevention of anemia.
Vitamin C necessary for me during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, ascorbic acid is essential for wound healing, tissue repair, maintenance of the health of the skin and of the bone growth. In addition, it helps to fight against infections and acts as an antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damage. When you are pregnant, you will probably need vitamin C on a daily basis, because it is very essential for you and your baby. This vitamin is important in the manufacture of a structure known as the protein collagen which is a cartilage component for most tissues and organs such as bones, tendons and skin. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron; therefore, you must ensure that you include vitamin C rich foods your daily diet. In addition, it is important to note that vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum due to the rupture of capillaries under the skin bleeding and if it persists, it may possibly cause scurvy.
How much vitamin C do I need during pregnancy?
Pregnant women need about 85 mg (milligrams) of vitamin C per day; However, young pregnant women aged 18 years and below should about 80mg of vitamin C per day. Breastfeeding women will require more vitamin C per day, 120 mg and 115 mg (18 and below). These amounts are intended to achieve the average daily dose.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) for both adults and children is about 70 to 90 milligrams a day. Scurvy can be avoided with a little more than 10 mg per day; however, cigarettes of the smokers will require a greater amount of about 100 mg to 130 mg per day. Excessive amounts of about 200 mg per day cannot be absorbed by the body and is excreted in the urine. RDI can be achieved simply by sticking to a balanced diet every day with fruits and vegetables are incorporated because of the huge amount of vitamin C present in them.
What are the side effects of high doses of vitamin C during pregnancy?
Prolonged intake of vitamin C supplements of more than 2 grams per day can exacerbate the conditions of gout or even kidney stones.
People can also become addicted to high doses of vitamin C and show deficiency symptoms by stopping abruptly. It is recommended that anyone taking high doses of vitamin C to reduce the amount gradually or slowly.
If you take tropbeaucoup vitamin C, you are more likely to experience symptoms of nausea, abdominal cramping, intestinal blockage, fatigue, headache, insomnia, rashes, flushing and diarrhea.
There is peak effects, which include the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, inflammation of the esophagus, discomfort at the injection site complications red blood cells, tingling or skin irritation grew thickened blood vessels near the heart, complications of the urinary tract and slow endurance training. In addition, the destruction and problems in the digestive system of red blood cells are prominent.
In the case of vitamin C high intake, urine output and high amount of fluid intake is recommended.
In pregnant women, it can lead to an increased risk of hypertension and also people with diabetes may experience high levels of sugar in the blood. Vitamin C is generally considered safe for the human body if taken in proper amounts.
Food sources of vitamin C
Green leafy vegetables and most fruits especially citrus fruits are very rich sources of vitamin C and since vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat, it is recommended that you choose fresh foods. Cereals and fruit juices are also fortified with vitamin C.