New research presented at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, suggests that higher intakes of calcium and zinc before pregnancy may significantly lower the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).
Dr. Liping Lu, along with colleagues from Ball State University, analyzed data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study involving 7,737 pregnant women without chronic hypertension. The study aimed to explore the relationship between preconceptional calcium intake (three months before pregnancy) and the likelihood of developing HDP.
Their findings revealed a notable inverse association between energy density-adjusted calcium intake and HDP risk. After adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical, and dietary factors, participants in the highest quintile of calcium intake had a 21% lower odds of experiencing HDP compared to those in the lowest quintile.
In a separate analysis using the same dataset, the researchers examined preconception maternal zinc intake and its association with HDP risk. Similarly, after adjusting for various factors including age, race, marital status, body mass index, and prenatal vitamin use, higher preconception zinc intake was linked to a 38% reduced likelihood of HDP. Participants in the highest quartile of zinc intake had significantly lower odds of developing HDP compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Dr. Lu emphasized the critical role of women’s health during the preconception period, highlighting that sufficient nutrient and mineral stores before conception are essential for optimal pregnancy outcomes. Adequate nutrient status not only supports conception but also contributes to early fetal growth and development.
“These findings underscore the importance of nutrition in the preconception period, suggesting that enhancing calcium and zinc intake may be beneficial in reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,” stated Dr. Lu in a press statement.
The study’s results contribute valuable insights into preventive strategies for HDP and reinforce the significance of adequate nutrient intake as part of preconception care to support maternal and fetal health.
