Vitamin C during pregnancy supports early brain development, study finds
New research from Oregon Health & Science University shows that additional vitamin C intake during pregnancy can be an effective, low-cost and accessible intervention to promote infant emotional well-being.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University has found that increasing vitamin C intake during pregnancy can support early brain development and potentially reduce the risk of mental health disorders in infants. The research, published in Developmental Psychology, examined the relationship between maternal stress levels, vitamin C intake, and infant emotional well-being.
It was discovered that pregnant women with higher stress levels tended to consume less vitamin C, increasing their babies' risk for negative emotions and socioemotional development issues. Vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy appeared to mitigate this risk, suggesting that this low-cost, accessible intervention could be an effective way to promote healthier brain development in infants.
The study's lead author, Elizabeth Wood, emphasized the importance of adequate maternal nutrition for fetal development, and noted that vitamin C supplements are a simple, affordable way to support this. Researchers plan to continue investigating optimal prenatal diets and ways to improve access to healthy foods and nutritional interventions during pregnancy.
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