Preeclampsia - Supplements

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Preeclampsia
Mother-to-be? Protect yourself and your baby from the serious complications associated with this pregnancy problem. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Get routine checkups

    Visit your prenatal provider regularly to prevent and control preeclampsia

  • Consider calcium

    Reduce your risks by taking 1,200 to1,500 mg a day of this essential nutrient

  • Don’t skip the salt

    Use normal amounts of salt and drink more water to maintain normal circulation

Also indexed as:
  • gestational hypertension,
  • preeclampsia,
  • pre-eclampsia,
  • pregnancy induced hypertension,
  • toxemia of pregnancy
Alternative Treatments

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Coenzyme Q10
200 mg per day 2 stars In a double-blind study at women who were at high risk of developing preeclampsia, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 44%.


2 stars Coenzyme Q10

200 mg per day

Pregnant women with preeclampsia have significantly lower plasma coenzyme Q10 levels, when compared with women with healthy pregnancies. In a double-blind study at women who were at high risk of developing preeclampsia, supplementing with coenzyme Q10 reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 44%. The amount used was 200 mg per day; treatment was begun during the twentieth week of pregnancy and continued until delivery.29


SupplementAmountWhy
Folic Acid
5 mg daily2 stars Supplementing with folic acid and vitamin B6 may lower homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels and can lead to the preeclamptic symptoms.


2 stars Folic Acid

5 mg daily

Women with preeclampsia have been shown to have elevated blood levels of homocysteine.30 , 31 , 32 , 33 Research indicates elevated homocysteine occurs prior to the onset of preeclampsia.34 Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels,35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 which can lead to the preeclamptic signs of elevated blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.42

In one preliminary trial, women with a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and high homocysteine supplemented with 5 mg of folic acid and 250 mg of vitamin B6 per day, successfully lowering homocysteine levels.43 In another trial studying the effect of vitamin B6 on preeclampsia incidence, supplementation with 5 mg of vitamin B6 twice per day significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia. Women in that study were not, however, evaluated for homocysteine levels.44 In fact, no studies have yet determined whether lowering elevated homocysteine reduces the incidence or severity of preeclampsia. Nevertheless, despite a lack of proof that elevated homocysteine levels cause preeclampsia, many doctors believe that pregnant women with elevated homocysteine should attempt to reduce those levels to normal.


SupplementAmountWhy
Fish Oil
Refer to label instructions 1 star Fish oil supplementation may lower the incidence of preeclampsia.


1 star Fish Oil

Fish oil supplementation has been proposed to lower the incidence of preeclampsia.45, 46 However, controlled clinical trials suggest that fish oil does not reduce symptoms47 or protect against preeclampsia.48, 49


SupplementAmountWhy
Magnesium
Refer to label instructions 1 star Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk women in one trial.


1 star Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency has been implicated as a possible cause of preeclampsia.50, 51, 52, 53, 54 Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk women in one trial,55 but not in another double-blind trial.56


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin B2
Refer to label instructions 1 star Women who are deficient in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are more likely to develop preeclampsia than women with normal levels. Supplementation may correct a deficiency.


1 star Vitamin B2

Women who are deficient in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are more likely to develop preeclampsia than women with normal vitamin B2 levels.57 These results were observed in a developing country, where vitamin B2 deficiencies are more common than in the United States. Nevertheless, insufficient vitamin B2 may contribute to the abnormalities underlying the disease process.


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin B6
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with vitamin B6 and folic acid may lower homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels and can lead to the preeclamptic symptoms.


1 star Vitamin B6

Women with preeclampsia have been shown to have elevated blood levels of homocysteine.58 , 59 , 60 , 61 Research indicates elevated homocysteine occurs prior to the onset of preeclampsia.62 Elevated homocysteine damages the lining of blood vessels,63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 which can lead to the preeclamptic signs of elevated blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.70

In one preliminary trial, women with a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and high homocysteine supplemented with 5 mg of folic acid and 250 mg of vitamin B6 per day, successfully lowering homocysteine levels.71 In another trial studying the effect of vitamin B6 on preeclampsia incidence, supplementation with 5 mg of vitamin B6 twice per day significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia. Women in that study were not, however, evaluated for homocysteine levels.72 In fact, no studies have yet determined whether lowering elevated homocysteine reduces the incidence or severity of preeclampsia. Nevertheless, despite a lack of proof that elevated homocysteine levels cause preeclampsia, many doctors believe that pregnant women with elevated homocysteine should attempt to reduce those levels to normal.

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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