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Vitamin C deficiency in pregnant women harms the fetal brain
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Vitamin C deficiency in pregnant women can lead to serious complications and damage to the fetus being born. To such conclusions came the scientists from the University of Copenhagen.
According to experts, even if the newborn will take vitamin C and its concentration will return to normal, the harm inflicted on the baby's brain will not be corrected, these processes, unfortunately, are irreversible.
The results of the research of scientists are published in the magazine "PLoS ONE".
Scientists cite figures indicating that the adult population of developed countries receives insufficient amounts of vitamin C. In particular, about 15-20% of people are experiencing a deficit, so it is very important for future mothers to make sure that they receive a sufficient amount of this vitamin.
The lead author of the study, Jens Likkesfeld, says that even a small vitamin C deficiency in the mother's body reduces the hippocampus, thus reducing the ability to memorize and assimilate information by 10-15% and not allowing the child's brain to develop optimally.
"We used to think that the mother is the most reliable protection for the baby, so it is, however, the transportation of the substances necessary for the fetal development of the fetus must be fully realized during pregnancy. In this case, we observe a deficiency of vitamin C, which has serious consequences for children. Therefore, it is very important to draw attention to this problem, "says Professor Likkesfeld.
The results of the experts' research show how important it is for future mothers to watch for a sufficient amount of vitamin C in the body, because when brain damage occurs, they can not be cured or restored.
Experiments scientists conducted on guinea pigs, which were fed with the expectation that the vitamin C in their body was 30% less than normal. The second group of experimental animals received the necessary daily dose of vitamin.
Specialists found that the damage to the offspring of the first group of animals was inflicted at the very beginning of pregnancy.
Thus, summing up the work done, experts say that women who smoke and eat poorly are at risk. Their children are most prone to the threat of problems with the processes of remembering information.
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