Vitamin C And Folic Acid In Early Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, what you eat and drink can affect your baby's health. It's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes all the nutrients your body needs. Two of the most important nutrients during early pregnancy are vitamin C and folic acid.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that your body needs to function properly. It's an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and is important for the growth and repair of tissues in your body. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers.
Why is Vitamin C Important During Early Pregnancy?
Vitamin C is important during early pregnancy because it helps your body absorb iron. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your baby. Vitamin C also helps support your immune system and can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
How Much Vitamin C Do You Need During Early Pregnancy?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C during pregnancy is 85 milligrams per day. However, some experts recommend taking up to 200 milligrams per day to help support a healthy pregnancy. It's important to talk to your doctor about how much vitamin C you need and whether you should take a supplement.
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that is important for the growth and development of your baby's brain and spinal cord. Folic acid is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified cereals.
Why is Folic Acid Important During Early Pregnancy?
Folic acid is important during early pregnancy because it can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida. It's important to get enough folic acid before you get pregnant and during the first few weeks of pregnancy, when your baby's brain and spinal cord are developing.
How Much Folic Acid Do You Need During Early Pregnancy?
The recommended daily intake of folic acid during pregnancy is 600 micrograms per day. However, some experts recommend taking up to 800 micrograms per day to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects. It's important to talk to your doctor about how much folic acid you need and whether you should take a supplement.
What Foods Can You Eat to Get Enough Vitamin C and Folic Acid?
There are many foods you can eat to get enough vitamin C and folic acid during early pregnancy. Some good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers. Some good sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified cereals. It's important to eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients your body needs.
Conclusion
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes enough vitamin C and folic acid is important during early pregnancy. These nutrients can help support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Talk to your doctor about how much vitamin C and folic acid you need and whether you should take a supplement.