Preeclampsia risk does not go down with more vitamin intake

Preeclampsia Not Reduced By Vitamins

Preeclampsia, a dangerous rise in blood pressure among pregnant women, cannot be prevented any less by vitamin supplements contrary to what some studies suggest.

A new report appearing in the latest issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology revealed that among  19,810 women studied, those who took 400 IU of vitamin E and 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C had the same risk of developing preeclampsia than those who took no or less vitamins. The doses were greater than what are commonly found in prenatal vitamins.

Instead of benefiting from extra doses of vitamins, the researchers discovered that the women increased their chance of other complications during pregnancy such as premature rupture of membranes.

Preeclampsia is known to affect five percent of pregnant women in the U.S. each year. It is an abnormal condition characterized by high blood pressure, fluid retention and protein in the urine. If not treated properly, it can lead to eclampsia, a toxic condition than can result to coma or death.

Vitamin C and E are so-called antioxidants which are thought to help preserve the placenta and the membranes, thereby reducing the risk of preterm birth. That link has prompted researchers to test whether the benefit extends to preeclampsia.

But the results of the study suggest that is not the case. Preeclampsia was seen regardless of whether the participants had vitamin or placebo intake.

A beneficial link however was seen between extra vitamin C and E supplementation and abruptio placentae which is a complication where the placenta separates from the uterus, causing bleeding that can be fatal.

While vitamin intake may reduce the likelihood of abruptio placentae, health experts do not recommend that pregnant women take extra doses of vitamin E and C because it may raise the risk of preeclampsia.

Posted by George Daniels on Sunday May 29 2011, 1:10 AM EST. Ref: Reuters. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0