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New Orleans, March 7, 2025 – A new study suggests that women with higher levels of essential minerals and vitamin B12 during pregnancy may have a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure in midlife. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025, held in New Orleans from March 6–9.
Researchers found that higher blood levels of copper, manganese, and vitamin B12 during pregnancy were linked to lower blood pressure nearly two decades later. The study, published in Hypertension, is the first to examine the association between pregnancy metal levels and midlife hypertension risk.
Essential Minerals and Cardiovascular Health
Manganese, selenium, magnesium, and copper are essential minerals known for their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease. Prior research has indicated that higher manganese levels are associated with a lower risk of preeclampsia—a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. However, it was previously unclear whether these minerals could also influence long-term hypertension risk.
According to the American Heart Association’s 2023 scientific statement, chronic exposure to non-essential metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study sheds new light on the role of beneficial minerals and vitamins in long-term heart health.
Study Overview
Led by Mingyu Zhang, Ph.D., M.H.S., an epidemiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, the research team analyzed data from Project Viva, a long-term study of women and their children in eastern Massachusetts. The study initially enrolled nearly 500 pregnant women between 1999 and 2002 and tracked their health over the next two decades.
During early pregnancy, blood samples were collected and analyzed for essential and non-essential metals, as well as vitamin B12 and folate levels. Follow-up assessments were conducted between 2017 and 2021 when participants had reached a median age of 51. Researchers measured blood pressure and examined correlations with the earlier metal and vitamin levels.
Key Findings
- Women whose copper and manganese levels doubled during pregnancy had a 25% and 20% lower risk of high blood pressure, respectively, in midlife.
- Higher levels of vitamin B12 were associated with an average reduction of 3.64 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 2.52 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure.
- A combination of copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc was also linked to lower blood pressure, with effects increasing with higher levels.
- Non-essential metals such as lead and cadmium did not show a significant impact on blood pressure.
Implications and Future Research
Zhang emphasized that while the study measured blood concentrations of these nutrients, it did not determine their sources, such as food or supplements. “These findings should not be interpreted as dietary recommendations,” Zhang cautioned. “However, optimizing essential minerals and vitamins during pregnancy may provide protective benefits against hypertension in midlife, a crucial period for women’s cardiovascular health.”
Further research, including clinical trials, is needed to establish optimal dietary intake levels of these nutrients and explore potential interventions during pregnancy. The goal is to identify women at higher risk for future hypertension and implement targeted nutritional strategies.
Study Limitations
The study was observational, meaning it could not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Other factors, such as diet and lifestyle, may have influenced the results. Additionally, the study sample was predominantly white women from Eastern Massachusetts, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to more diverse populations.
Conclusion
This research highlights the potential long-term cardiovascular benefits of maintaining adequate levels of essential minerals and vitamin B12 during pregnancy. While more studies are needed, the findings underscore the importance of maternal nutrition and its impact on future health outcomes.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplement intake.
