People with higher intakes of calcium and zinc in the three months before conception were significantly less likely to suffer from hypertensive disorders during their pregnancy compared to those with lower intakes of these essential minerals, according to new research.
The results highlight the importance of focusing on nutrition before conception -? not only during pregnancy -? to promote healthy pregnancies.
“Our findings highlight the importance of preconception dietary calcium and zinc intake in potentially reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,” said Liping Lu, MD, PhD, who conducted the research as a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University and is now an assistant professor at Ball State University.Higher intakes of zinc and calcium before conception, from diet and supplements, are both associated with a lower risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.”
Lu will present the findings at NUTRITION 2024, the American Society for Nutrition’s flagship annual meeting held from June 29 to July 2 in Chicago.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common disorders of pregnancy and can harm both the pregnant woman and the developing fetus. Considering the potential adverse effects of antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy, researchers have focused on opportunities to prevent dangerous hypertension-related disorders such as preeclampsia through modifiable factors such as diet.
While many people start focusing on their diet after they become pregnant, researchers said a person’s nutritional status before conception is important, as it can often take time for the body to correct deficiencies or imbalances.
Women’s health in the preconception period is closely related to pregnancy outcome. Adequate stores of nutrients or minerals in the body prior to conception can ensure optimal nutrient status for conception and support the early stages of fetal growth and development.”
Liping Lu, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Ball State University
Researchers conducted two separate studies using data from more than 7,700 pregnant women in the US who provided information about their health and diet through a study called Fruitless Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Maternal Follow-up. One study focused on calcium while the other focused on zinc. The researchers analyzed the association between preconception intake of each metal and rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy after accounting for demographic, lifestyle, and health factors also associated with hypertension risk.
The results showed that people in the highest quintile for calcium intake before conception were 24% less likely to experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy compared to those in the lowest quintile. Regarding zinc, participants were divided into quartiles, and those with the highest zinc intake before conception were 38% less likely to develop hypertensive disorders during pregnancy than those with the lowest zinc intake.
As observational studies, Lu noted that the results do not necessarily prove causation. However, the findings are in line with other studies that have linked higher intakes of the two minerals to a lower risk of hypertension-related diseases outside of pregnancy. In addition, calcium and zinc are both known to play important roles in metabolic processes associated with maintaining blood vessel health, providing a plausible biological explanation for the idea that these minerals could help prevent disorders. of blood pressure.
Recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest that women of childbearing age should consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 8 milligrams of zinc daily.
Lu will present this research at 3:24-3:36 p.m. CDT on Saturday, June 29, during the Dietary Micronutrients and Supplements in Population session at McCormick Place (abstract; presentation details) and at 4:00-4:12 p.m. CDT on Monday, July 1, during the Nutrient Status and Supplementation in Life’s Beginnings session at McCormick Place (abstract; presentation details).
