Vitamin C in Pregnancy: A Key Modulator of Fetal Growth and Epigenetic Stability.

2025-10-18
Current nutrition reports 14(1)
- Burcu Ersoy-Demiryurek
- Makbule Gezmen-Karadag

PubMed: 41108449
DOI: 10.1007/s13668-025-00708-2

Study Design

Type: Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adequate vitamin C intake during pregnancy is crucial to support adequate growth and development of the fetus. Vitamin C, besides its involvement in numerous biological functions, is notable for its regulatory impact on gene expression. RECENT FINDINGS: Research shows that not getting enough vitamin C during pregnancy may be linked to adverse effects, such as shorter telomeres, problems with DNA methylation, higher rates of cell death in the placenta, and lower birth weight. Moreover, vitamin C offers genetic safeguarding against detrimental environmental influences and facilitates the maturation of the fetal immune system. Its involvement in epigenetic regulation contributes to managing processes, including germ cell development, neurodevelopment, and fertility. We emphasize that long-term health effects require sufficient vitamin C consumption during pregnancy. This review assesses the influence of maternal vitamin C intake on fetal growth and development based on existing literature.

Research Insights

Vitamin C→Improved Epigenetic Stability
problems with DNA methylation
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin C→Reduced Birth Weight
lower birth weight
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin C→Reduced Placental Cell Death
higher rates of cell death in the placenta
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Vitamin C→Reduced Telomere Length
Research shows that not getting enough vitamin C during pregnancy may be linked to adverse effects, such as shorter telomeres
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Vitamin C→higher rates of cell death in the placenta
Research shows that not getting enough vitamin C during pregnancy may be linked to adverse effects, such as ... higher rates of cell death in the placenta
Finding
Increased risk
Vitamin C→lower birth weight
Research shows that not getting enough vitamin C during pregnancy may be linked to adverse effects, such as ... lower birth weight
Finding
Increased risk
Vitamin C→problems with dna methylation
Research shows that not getting enough vitamin C during pregnancy may be linked to adverse effects, such as ... problems with DNA methylation
Finding
Increased risk
Vitamin C→shorter telomeres
Research shows that not getting enough vitamin C during pregnancy may be linked to adverse effects, such as shorter telomeres
Finding
Increased risk