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Dietary calcium and pregnancy-induced hypertension: is there a relation?
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of California, Berkeley 94720-3104, USA.
Insights
Calcium supplementation may help prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in high-risk groups. While research shows a link between calcium intake and PIH, more evidence is needed for routine supplementation for all pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) pathogenesis remains unclear, with identified alterations in calcium metabolism.
- Epidemiological data suggest an inverse correlation between dietary calcium intake and PIH incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for calcium's role in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of PIH.
- To evaluate the efficacy of calcium supplementation in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating calcium metabolism and PIH.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and clinical trial results concerning calcium intake and PIH.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a potential benefit of calcium supplementation, but clinical trial results are contradictory.
- Insufficient evidence currently supports routine calcium supplementation for all pregnant women.
Conclusions:
- High-risk groups, including pregnant adolescents and those with inadequate calcium intake, may benefit from increased dietary calcium.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of calcium in PIH management and to establish optimal supplementation guidelines.
Abstract:
The evidence that calcium plays a role in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is reviewed. The precise factors involved in the pathogenesis of PIH are unclear, but several alterations in calcium metabolism have been identified. Epidemiologic data suggest an inverse correlation between dietary calcium intake and incidence of PIH. Although evidence suggests a possible beneficial effect of supplemental calcium, contradictions persist in clinical trials of pregnant women. Presently, there is insufficient evidence to support routine calcium supplementation of all pregnant women. However, high-risk groups, such as pregnant teens, populations with inadequate calcium intake, and women at risk of developing PIH, may benefit from consuming additional dietary calcium.