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Vitamin C and pregnancy
During pregnancy it is important to have all of the right nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Your body uses vitamin C for healing wounds, repairing tissue, growing and repairing bones, and creating healthy skin. Like vitamin A, vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, fighting infections and protecting cells.
Sources of vitamin C:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Sweet potatoes
- Oranges
- Kiwi fruit
How much vitamin C do I need?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is:
- Mothers – 85 mg
- Mothers breastfeeding – 120 mg
- Mothers under 20 – 80 mg
- Mothers under 20- 115 mg
Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so it is an essential vitamin for your daily diet. If necessary, supplements are available for additional vitamin C intake, but you must first consult with your doctor before taking them. (Excessive intake can cause harm.)
Vitamin C deficiency
Although it is rare, vitamin C deficiency can occur if an insufficient dose of between 0-10 mg per day is taken for several consecutive weeks. Scurvy is a medical condition that results from vitamin C deficiency.
Find out more at vitamins during pregnancy.
Tags: antioxidant, breastfeeding, fight infections, healthy skin, protect cells, RDA, repairing, scurvy, Supplements, vitamin C, vitamins