Recommended intake of calcium during pregnancy is an effective measure to reduce the complications of pregnancy.
Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can be significantly reduced with calcium supplements, a study published in ‘Circulation’ journal analyzed. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia pose significant threats to maternal and fetal health, particularly in low-income nations. Mitigating the negative outcomes linked to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has become a paramount focus in recent years.
Vikash Jaiswal and colleagues examined the link between calcium supplementation and the risk of pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure in pregnancy among expectant females. A thorough systematic literature search in electronic databases was conducted. The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials featuring pregnant women, with one group receiving calcium supplements and another receiving a placebo. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were computed using a random-effects model. A p-value of <0.05 was statistically significant.
The analysis encompassed 27 studies involving 28,660 patients (14,319 receiving calcium supplements and 14,341 in the placebo group). A 44% reduction was noted in the risk of preeclampsia with calcium supplements compared to placebo (OR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.45-0.70; P < 0.001) as per the pooled results. Likewise, calcium supplements were related to a momentous 20% decrease in gestational hypertension risk (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.70-0.91; P < 0.001).
Circulation
Abstract 13562: Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Pre-Eclampsia and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Vikash Jaiswal et al.
Comments (1)