May 20, 2021

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. Expecting moms should be especially concerned about their vitamin C intake, as it helps boost immunity and aids in the absorption of iron. However, it is possible to get too much vitamin C. Knowing the proper dosage is a must.

Why Vitamin C is Important During Pregnancy

Vitamin C not only protects moms-to-be by boosting the immune system, reducing the risk of iron-deficiency and anemia during pregnancy, and promoting wound healing, but it’s also necessary for the healthy physical and metabolic development of babies. Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it is not stored by the body. Receiving a healthy daily dose during pregnancy is crucial.

How Much Vitamin C You Should Consume

Experts suggest a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of at least 85 milligrams per day for pregnant women age 19 and older, with a safe recommended maximum daily amount of 2,000 milligrams per day.¹

How You Can Get Vitamin C

Fortunately, vitamin C is readily available from a healthy, well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. Experts recommend that pregnant women consume two to four servings of fruit and four or more servings of vegetables each day. Here are some great sources to get your vitamin C²:

• Broccoli
• Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, mango, grapefruit, kiwi)
• Tomatoes
• Red, green, and yellow peppers
• Strawberries
• Orange juice
• Potatoes

A healthy diet is the best way to get the essential vitamin C that your body needs during pregnancy, but supplementing with a specifically formulated prenatal vitamin can help you meet your nutritional needs. Prenatal vitamins are readily available online, over the counter, or by prescription, but they are not all the same. Our family of vitamins offers a range of vitamin C dosages to fit the different needs of expecting moms. Talk with your doctor about the nutritional support you need for a healthy pregnancy.

Is it Possible to Get too Much Vitamin C?

Sometimes too much of a good thing turns out to be not so good. Vitamin overdose can occur when you take more than the recommended daily limit of any vitamin. Vitamin C has low toxicity, but if taken in large doses, it can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and constipation.³ Any vitamin can be toxic if taken in large amounts. Other symptoms of vitamin overdose may also include⁴:

• Cloudy urine
• Frequent urination
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle, joint, or bone pain
• Yellow-orange tint to the skin
• Sun sensitivity
• Itching or rash
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Mental or mood changes
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Eye irritation or sensitivity to light
• Cracked lips

With all the wonderful and necessary benefits that vitamin C provides to you and your developing baby, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough in your daily diet. But if you have trouble meeting those daily requirements, you should speak with your doctor about supplementing.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.