Vitamin c for newborns
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The Role of Vitamin C for Newborns: Insights from Recent Research
Vitamin C Supplementation During Pregnancy
Impact on Preterm Birth Rates
Research has extensively explored the potential benefits of vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy, particularly concerning preterm birth rates. A systematic review concluded that there is no significant evidence supporting the use of vitamin C alone to prevent preterm births in low-risk populations. Additionally, combining vitamin C with vitamin E also showed no benefit in reducing preterm birth rates in both low-risk and high-risk groups .
Effects on Maternal and Neonatal Health
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maternal health and fetal development. However, studies indicate that vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy does not significantly reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, or other complications . In fact, some studies suggest that vitamin C supplementation might increase the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension.
Fetal and Infant Growth
Maternal intake of vitamin C, primarily through fruits and vegetables, has been positively associated with fetal growth parameters such as abdominal circumference and infant birth length. Increased consumption of vitamin C during mid-pregnancy is linked to better growth outcomes in infants up to six months of age.
Vitamin C Levels in Newborns
Comparison with Maternal Levels
Studies have shown that newborns, including those born prematurely, generally have good vitamin C levels at birth, even if their mothers are vitamin C deficient . This suggests that the fetus can effectively extract vitamin C from the mother, ensuring adequate levels at birth.
Impact of Maternal Smoking
For pregnant smokers, vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/day) has been shown to improve the pulmonary function of their infants. Infants of mothers who received vitamin C supplementation had better forced expiratory flows (FEFs) at three months and sustained improved airway function up to twelve months of age . This indicates that vitamin C can mitigate some of the adverse effects of maternal smoking on infant lung development.
Long-Term Effects of Vitamin C Deficiency
Cognitive and Neurological Development
Vitamin C deficiency in early postnatal life can have detrimental effects on cognitive and neurological development. Research on guinea pigs has demonstrated that chronic vitamin C deficiency impairs spatial memory and reduces the number of hippocampal neurons, highlighting the importance of adequate vitamin C levels for brain development.
Breastfeeding and Vitamin C
Exclusively breastfed infants generally maintain higher plasma vitamin C concentrations compared to those receiving supplemented formula, even if their mothers have marginal vitamin C intake. This suggests that breast milk provides sufficient vitamin C to meet the infant's needs, although some lactating mothers may experience suboptimal vitamin C levels.
Conclusion
While vitamin C is essential for both maternal and neonatal health, current evidence does not support routine vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy to prevent preterm births or other adverse outcomes. However, ensuring adequate vitamin C intake through diet is beneficial for fetal growth and infant development. For pregnant smokers, vitamin C supplementation can improve infant lung function, highlighting its potential role in specific high-risk groups. Maintaining sufficient vitamin C levels in newborns is crucial for optimal cognitive and neurological development, underscoring the importance of maternal nutrition and breastfeeding practices.
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