By taking vitamin supplements, individuals who miss a few servings of fruit or vegetables in a day can ensure that they get their recommended allowance of vitamin C, at the very least. This nutrient plays an active role in a healthy immune system and is essential for the synthesis of proteins and neurotransmitters. A new study has announced that poor absorption of vitamin C during pregnancy may decrease a baby’s chances of survival.

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a specific protein called Slc23a1 may regulate the ability of a newborn’s kidneys to absorb the nutrient. Having adequate levels of vitamin C during pregnancy can ensure that a number of bodily systems run smoothly.

Laboratory animals that lacked Slc23a1 lost up to 70 percent of their daily level of vitamin C through their urine, although their bodies compensated for some of this loss by synthesizing the nutrient.

Researchers concluded that further inquiry should be made into the roles of Slc23a1 and vitamin C in perinatal kidney health.

For adults who want to maintain their vitamin levels across the board, taking a dietary supplement can be an effective way to ensure that the body gets 100 percent of the vitamin C it needs each day.