Dietary factors that affect the risk of pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia affects 3%–5% of pregnant women worldwide and is associated with a range of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including maternal and/or fetal death. It particularly affects those with chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes mellitus or a family history of pre-eclampsia. Other than early delivery of the fetus, there is no cure for pre-eclampsia. Since diet or dietary supplements may affect the risk, we have carried out an up-to-date, narrative literature review to assess the relationship between nutrition and pre-eclampsia. Several nutrients and dietary factors previously believed to be implicated in the risk of pre-eclampsia have now been shown to have no effect on risk; these include vitamins C and E, magnesium, salt, ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oils) and zinc. Body mass index is proportionally correlated with pre-eclampsia risk, therefore women should aim for a healthy pre-pregnancy body weight and avoid excessive gestational and interpregnancy weight gain. The association between the risk and progression of the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia may explain the apparent benefit of dietary modifications resulting from increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (≥400 g/day), plant-based foods and vegetable oils and a limited intake of foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Consuming a high-fibre diet (25–30 g/day) may attenuate dyslipidaemia and reduce blood pressure and inflammation. Other key nutrients that may mitigate the risk include increased calcium intake, a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement and an adequate vitamin D status. For those with a low selenium intake (such as those living in Europe), fish/seafood intake could be increased to improve selenium intake or selenium could be supplemented in the recommended multivitamin/mineral supplement. Milk-based probiotics have also been found to be beneficial in pregnant women at risk. Our recommendations are summarised in a table of guidance for women at particular risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

New immune horizons in therapeutics and diagnostic approaches to Preeclampsia

“…In a study performed on Asian females, 189 These are regarded as independent risk factors for developing PE. 190,194 Further, the risk amongst Indian women is as formulated by Nobis and Hajong. 192 Their study suggests that the incidence of eclampsia in India is about 1.5% which showed little reduction in the incidence of eclampsia and perinatal mortality rate over the last few decades (data collected from 1980-2015) though maternal mortality has shown a receding trend.…”

Nutrition versus Great Obstetric Syndrome: A Bridge too Far?

“…Different findings found no significant associations were observed between dietary and infant's outcomes. 10 And that several nutrients and dietary factors previously believed to be implicated in the risk of pre-eclampsia have now been shown to have no effect on risk such as vitamins C and E, magnesium, salt, ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oils) and zinc. 11 Findings in other specific nutrition related group; Undernutrition group 12 confirmed relationship with fetal growth restriction, low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth.…”

Plant-Based Diets Improve Maternal–Fetal Outcomes in CKD Pregnancies

“…Plant-based diets are likewise an acknowledged option in pregnancy, provided that they are correctly followed, thus controlling for the complementarity of aminoacids and avoiding nutritional deficits, in particular those of vitamins (B12, vitamin D) and iron [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Furthermore, some data suggest that plant-based diets in pregnancy may even protect from the development of preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, possibly through the prevention of excessive weight gain in pregnancy [ 25 , 26 ].…”