Vitamin C (Absorbic Acid)

Vitamin C (Absorbic Acid) Claims

  • maintain / support healthy immune system function
  • acts as an antioxidant / reduces free radicals formed in the body
  • Vitamin C and Pregnancy

    Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system and acting as an antioxidant during pregnancy. It helps support the immune system by strengthening the barriers that protect the body. This includes the skin barrier and the mucous membranes that line body cavities. When these barriers are intact, pathogens have a harder time entering the body. Vitamin C also helps produce white blood cells that fight infections. As such, adequate vitamin C intake helps the mother's immune system function optimally to fight infections and illnesses during her pregnancy.

    Additionally, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body. During pregnancy, the mother's body produces more free radicals due to changes in metabolism and hormones. There is increased oxidative metabolism resulting in increased free radical formation. Free radicals can damage cells if left unchecked. Vitamin C neutralises free radicals by donating one of its own electrons, thus stopping the free radical chain reaction. This helps protect the mother's and baby’s cells from oxidative damage.

    Adequate vitamin C intake through foods like citrus fruits, berries and capsicums along with supplementation can help maintain a healthy immune system, and reduce oxidative stress and free radicals formed in the body.

    References:


    European Food Safety Authority. (2010). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin C. EFSA Journal, 8(10), 1816.

    Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2017). Schedule 4 Nutrition health and related claims. Schedule 1 RDI and ESADDI. Australia Government. Federal Register of Legislation.

    Gropper, S., Smith, J., & Groff, J. (2009). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (5th ed.). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

    Marshall, N. E., et al (2022, May). The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 226(5), 607–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035

    Murray, M. (1996). Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Harmony.

    Reavley, N. (1998). The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs. Bookman Press.