Function in Pregnancy: Maintaining connective tissue, healing wounds and fractures, strengthening blood vessels, supporting the immune system, and aiding iron absorption. Because of vitamin C’s role in maintaining blood glucose, a diet heavy in carbohydrates will need to be augmented with more vitamin C.
Symptoms of deficiency: Bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, loose teeth, nose bleeds, swollen or painful joints, bruising, slow healing wounds, impaired digestion, poor resistance to infection.
Effects of deficiency on mother and baby: Growth, particularly of baby’s bones, may be restricted. Development of teeth and gums will also be poor. Reduced breast milk production.
Sources (Each choice provides ~50% of your daily Vitamin C, choose two):
• 1 large kiwi fruit
• 1 guava
• 1/2 red or yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1 whole green bell pepper
• 2 cups whole pod sugar snap peas
• 1 large orange
• 1 medium grapefruit
• 2 cups raw watercress
• 1 cup strawberry halves
• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 6 kumquats
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup diced cantaloupe
• 1 large mango
• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 cup cubed papaya
• 1 cup passion-fruit pulp
• 2 cups diced honeydew melon
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 2 persimmons
