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Recent research has revealed that higher intake of calcium and zinc in the three months before conception significantly reduces the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. These findings emphasize the importance of nutritional focus before conceiving to ensure healthier pregnancies.
Conducted by Liping Lu, MD, PhD, during her postdoctoral tenure at Columbia University and now an assistant professor at Ball State University, the research highlights the critical role of preconception nutrition. “Our findings underscore the significance of preconception dietary intake of calcium and zinc in potentially reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,” said Dr. Lu. “Higher intakes of zinc and calcium before conception, derived from diet and supplements, are both associated with a lower risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.”
Dr. Lu will present these findings at NUTRITION 2024, the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting from June 29 to July 2 in Chicago.
Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a prevalent and dangerous condition during pregnancy, posing risks to both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus. Due to the potential adverse effects of antihypertensive medications during pregnancy, researchers have concentrated on preventive measures like nutrition to avert conditions such as pre-eclampsia.
While many focus on their nutrition after becoming pregnant, this research stresses the importance of nutritional status before conception. Correcting nutritional deficiencies or imbalances takes time, making preconception health crucial for optimal pregnancy outcomes. “Adequate nutrient or mineral stores in the body prior to conception can ensure optimal nutrient status for conception and support the early stages of fetal growth and development,” added Dr. Lu.
The Study
The researchers utilized data from over 7,700 pregnant women across the U.S. from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be. The study included two separate analyses focusing on calcium and zinc. The association between pre-conception intake of these minerals and rates of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy was examined, accounting for demographic, lifestyle, and health factors related to hypertension risk.
The results were significant. Individuals in the highest quintile for pre-conception calcium intake were 24% less likely to experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy compared to those in the lowest quintile. For zinc, those in the highest pre-conception intake quartile were 38% less likely to experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy than those with the lowest intake.
While these observational studies do not prove causation, they align with existing research linking higher intakes of calcium and zinc to lower risks of hypertension-related diseases. Both minerals are essential in metabolic processes maintaining blood vessel health, providing a biological explanation for their potential in preventing blood pressure disorders.
Recommendations
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend that women of childbearing age consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 8 milligrams of zinc daily to support reproductive health and reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Conclusion
This study underscores the need for attention to nutritional intake not only during pregnancy but also before conception. Ensuring adequate levels of essential minerals like calcium and zinc could play a significant role in promoting healthier pregnancies and reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders.
