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Vitamin C deficiency in pregnant women harms fetal brain
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Vitamin C deficiency in pregnant women can lead to serious complications and harm the fetus, according to scientists from the University of Copenhagen.
According to experts, even if a newborn takes vitamin C and its concentration returns to normal, the damage done to the baby’s brain will be impossible to correct; these processes are, unfortunately, irreversible.
The results of the scientists’ research were published in the journal “PLoS ONE”.
Scientists cite figures showing that the adult population of developed countries does not receive enough vitamin C. In particular, about 15-20% of people experience a deficiency, so it is very important for expectant mothers to make sure that they receive enough of this vitamin.
Lead author of the study, Jens Lykkesfeld, says that even a mild deficiency of vitamin C in the mother's body shrinks the hippocampus, thereby reducing the ability to remember and absorb information by 10 to 15% and preventing the baby's brain from developing optimally.
"We are used to thinking that the mother is the most reliable protection for the baby, and this is true, but the transport of substances necessary for the intrauterine development of the fetus must be carried out in full during pregnancy. In this case, we are seeing 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 findings of the experts' study highlight how important it is for expectant mothers to ensure they have enough vitamin C in their bodies, because once brain damage occurs, it cannot be cured or repaired.
The scientists conducted experiments on guinea pigs, which were fed with the calculation that their body vitamin C was 30% less than the norm. The second group of experimental animals received the required daily dose of the vitamin.
Experts found that the damage to the offspring of the first group of animals was caused 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 at risk of developing problems with the processes of memorizing information.
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