Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems
Hofmeyr GJ, Lawrie TA, Atallah ÁN, Torloni MR
Published in Cochrane Database Syst Rev, Vol. 10 (10), pp. CD001059
Methodology
Cochrane review of 27 trials (18,064 women) of calcium supplementation in pregnancy; high-dose (at least 1 g a day) versus placebo was the main comparison.
Key Findings
High-dose calcium reduced pre-eclampsia (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.31-0.65; 13 trials, 15,730 women; low-quality evidence). The effect was clear in women with low calcium diets (RR 0.36, 0.20-0.65; 8 trials, 10,678 women) but not in those with adequate diets. HELLP syndrome rose (RR 2.67) but with few events (16 vs 6).
Conclusions
At least 1 g of calcium a day may reduce pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, particularly in women with low calcium diets; the effect may be overestimated by small-study effects.
Limitations
Low-quality evidence; possible small-study effects or publication bias; the largest trial found only a modest (8%) reduction.
Supplements Studied
particularly for women with low calcium diets
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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