Can you take vitamin C while pregnant?

Can you take vitamin C while pregnant?

Yes, vitamin C is safe to take during pregnancy at recommended doses. In fact, your body needs more of it while pregnant: the RDA increases from 75 mg to 85 mg per day during pregnancy. Most people can get enough through diet (citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli), but supplementation at moderate doses is also considered safe.

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What the research shows

A Cochrane systematic review looked at 29 trials involving over 24,000 women and found no significant harmful effects of vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy. The review also found that vitamin C supplementation reduced the risk of placental abruption when taken in combination with vitamin E.

However, high-dose vitamin C (1000 mg or more, particularly when combined with vitamin E) has shown mixed results. One systematic review and meta-analysis found that supplementation with vitamins C and E at high doses was associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension and premature rupture of membranes.

How much is safe?

The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin C during pregnancy is 2,000 mg per day. Staying at or below 500 mg through supplementation is generally considered a comfortable middle ground. WeNatal for Her already contains 175 mg, and a balanced diet contributes more on top of that.

Can vitamin C help with iron absorption?

Yes, and this is a practical benefit worth knowing about. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the type found in plant foods and supplements). Taking your prenatal with a vitamin C-rich food like red bell peppers or citrus fruit can help you get more from the iron in your WeNatal for Her, which is especially useful if you're prone to iron deficiency.

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A note from WeNatal taking vitamin C while pregnant

WeNatal for Her includes vitamin C at a dose that supports iron absorption without overdoing it. If you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, your prenatal plus your food intake should cover your vitamin C needs. No need for a separate megadose supplement unless your provider specifically recommends one.

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References

Conde-Agudelo A, Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Hassan SS. Supplementation with vitamins C and E during pregnancy for the prevention of preeclampsia and other adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011;204(6):503.e1-503.12. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2011.02.020

Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(9):CD004072. Published 2015 Sep 29. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004072.pub3