Supplementation should only be done on medical advice, as excessive doses are harmful to the mother and fetus.
Vitamin C is vital for important bodily functions such as collagen production, iron absorption and maintenance of the immune system. “It is a nutrient that cannot be made by the body. Therefore, it must be ingested through food or supplementation”explains Paula Molari Abdo, specialist in Pharmaceutical Assistance at the University of São Paulo (USP) and member of the National Association of Master Pharmacists (ANFARMAG).
html[data-range=”xlarge”] figure image img.img-59d79363ad4bcab85eb773afc88ca8a94nu882kv { width: 774px; height: 517px; }HTML[data-range=”large”] figure image img.img-59d79363ad4bcab85eb773afc88ca8a94nu882kv { width: 548px; height: 366px; }HTML[data-range=”small”] figure image img.img-59d79363ad4bcab85eb773afc88ca8a94nu882kv, html[data-range=”medium”] figure image img.img-59d79363ad4bcab85eb773afc88ca8a94nu882kv { width: 564px; height: 377px; }
What is vitamin C used for?
The benefits are countless. One of the main functions is the strengthening of the immune system. “It works by increasing the production of white blood cells, which fight infection and disease,” Paula points out. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. This means it helps protect the body from cellular damage. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties. “It can be particularly useful for chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,” emphasizes the specialist.
During pregnancy, nutrients are essential for the formation of tissues, such as the placenta, and for the proper development of the baby. “It plays an important role in the body’s absorption of iron, an essential mineral to prevent anemia during pregnancy”adds the pharmacist.
Vitamin C deficiency could lead to an increased risk of complications, such as preeclampsia, a condition that raises blood pressure. In the latter case, it is possible that severe deficiency of the compound causes the rare disease called scurvy, “which is associated with bleeding and difficulty stopping the bleeding,” he points out. Marina Levy, gynecologist and obstetrician at the Parto com Amor clinic.
Should pregnant women take vitamin C?
During pregnancy, nutrient supplementation is, in most cases, not necessary. “That is, if the pregnant woman is eating a balanced diet and consuming a variety of foods rich in vitamin C“, says Paula. When the pregnant woman is already ingesting mostly citrus fruits – such as lemon, orange and acerola -, Red fruits (be they strawberries, raspberries, blackberries…) e dark green vegetablesno need to add doses.
The recommendation is to consume about 85 mg of vitamin C per day for pregnant women between 19 and 50 years old and 120 mg for breastfeeding women. The assessment of the deficiency is individual, made under medical advice. “There are cases where the pregnant woman has a diet low in fruits and vegetables with nutrients. Given this, it will present some deficiency to be detected for example in laboratory tests “, explains the pharmacist.
In general, women with chronic diseases (kidneys, celiac disease, diabetes…) are those whose nutrient absorption is affected. Patients with dietary restrictions or who have had major procedures, such as bariatric surgery, also need to undergo an evaluation. “We check if the vitamin levels are adequate,” says Marina.
It is also essential to point out that vitamin C is sensitive to heat and light. Therefore, the amount of the compound in foods may decrease with cooking and exposure to light. “For this reason, it is recommended to consume raw or delicately cooked vegetables,” warns Paula.
Vitamin C excess in pregnancy
Nutrient supplementation should only be done with medical advice, as large doses can be harmful to both mother and baby. “Vitamin C is water soluble [se dissolve em água]therefore, the possibility of intoxication is very low. What happens if there is too much intake is that it acidifies the urine“, emphasizes the obstetrician.
Increased acidity in your pee can heighten your risk of kidney problems, such as the appearance of stones, which is already high during pregnancy. “It’s very rare that this happens just because of the food,” says Marina. It is more common when there is supplementation through pills or formulas, such as effervescent vitamin C.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.