[The role of nutritional factors in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia]

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are very important health problems because they are the main contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. These disorders are unique in pregnancy and are characterized by oedema, proteinuria and hypertension. they occur in 0.5% to 30% of all pregnancies, primarily in primigravidas, after the 20-th week of gestation. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are diseases of undetermined cause. Many different factors might play an important role in the development of these diseases. One of them is nutrition. Recent studies have emphasized the possible role of general nutritional deficiency or imbalance of several specific nutrients in the aetiology of the disease. Deficiency of a variety of nutrients has been reported in patients with preeclampsia. The obtained results are contradictory and further study is necessary. Nevertheless, some evidence is highly suggestive of a relationship between nutritional status and the onset or progress of the disease. The article reviews the study that correlates the role of several nutritional elements with the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and eclampsia: proteins, lipids, calcium, vitamin D, sodium, magnesium and zinc. The evidence that supports or rejects the role of each of these nutrients is presented. In this way a guideline for general nutritional counseling in the prenatal period that will promote a healthier pregnancy, is offered.