Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN WASTING DISEASES: Edited by Claude Pichard and Didier Attaix
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Hypertension and Nutrition, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
Correspondence to Dr Agnès Ditisheim, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Hypertension and Nutrition, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. Tel: +41 22 372 33 11; e-mail: [email protected]
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 21(3):p 168-173, May 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000462
Abstract
Purpose of review
Although not fully understood, the physiopathology of preeclampsia is thought to involve an abnormal placentation, diffuse endothelial cell dysfunction and increased systemic inflammation. As micronutrients play a key role in placental endothelial function, oxidative stress and expression of angiogenic factors, periconceptional micronutrient supplementation has been proposed to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. However, recent studies reported conflicting results.
Recent findings
Calcium intake (>1 g/day) may reduce the risk of preeclampsia in women with low-calcium diet. Data from recently updated Cochrane reviews did not support routine supplementation of vitamins C, E or D for either the prevention or treatment of preeclampsia. Evidences are also poor to support zinc or folic acid supplementation for preeclampsia prevention. Dark chocolate, flavonoid-rich food, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids might also be candidates for prevention of preeclampsia.
Summary
Through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or vasoactive proprieties, micronutrients are good candidates for preeclampsia prevention. Calcium supplementation is recommended to prevent preeclampsia in women with low-calcium intake. Despite positive clinical and in-vitro data, strong evidence to support periconceptional supplementation of other micronutrients for preeclampsia risk-reduction is still lacking. Further studies are also needed to evaluate the benefit of nutritional supplementation such as chocolate and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.