Increasing calcium intake during pregnancy may help prevent complications from a serious condition known as preeclampsia – a sudden increase in blood pressure in women, according to a global study.
Dr. Marshall Lindheimer, a co-author of the study, stated that supplementing with 1.5 grams of calcium in the daily diet “does not prevent this disease but only reduces its severity.” However, it does help reduce mortality rates for both mothers and newborns.
Preeclampsia affects about 9% of pregnant women worldwide, according to Dr. Villar. It can lead to premature birth and may force mothers to undergo cesarean sections. If the condition progresses to a more severe form – eclampsia – the woman may suffer from a stroke or coma. In the worst cases, preeclampsia can cause disability or death for the mother or fetus.
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Pregnant women should consume 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily (Image: petitsfilous) |
In their study, Villar and colleagues assigned approximately 8,300 women receiving medical care in six countries (including Argentina, Egypt, India, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam) into a calcium group and a placebo group. Before the study began, all women were receiving less than 600 milligrams of calcium in their diet, which is half the recommended amount during pregnancy.
Results indicated that the group increasing calcium intake during pregnancy experienced fewer complications caused by preeclampsia.
The exact cause of preeclampsia remains unclear, and there is no known way to prevent it. Scientists are continuing to investigate the relationship between calcium and this condition.
According to expert recommendations, pregnant women should consume 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily; if they do not receive enough calcium from their diet, they should consider supplementation.
TUONG VY
