Vitamin C intake and the risk of preterm delivery

OBJECTIVE: Ascorbic acid deficiency may lead to premature rupture of the membranes. STUDY DESIGN: The study included a prospective cohort of pregnant women, aged 16 years, with singleton gestations who received care at one of four prenatal clinics in central North Carolina from 1995 through 1998. Vitamin C intake preconceptionally and during the second trimester was examined for its association with preterm delivery and subsets of preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, and medical induction in 2064 women. RESULTS: Women who had total vitamin C intakes of < 10th percentile preconceptionally had twice the risk of preterm delivery because of premature rupture of the membranes (relative risk, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1, 4.5). This risk was attenuated slightly for second-trimester intake (relative risk, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.8, 3.5). The elevated risk of preterm premature rupture of the membranes was greatest for women with a low vitamin C intake during both time periods. CONCLUSION: Because diet and supplement use are modifiable behaviors, corroboration of these findings would suggest a possible intervention strategy.