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Liping Lu, M.D., Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University and now an assistant professor at Ball State University
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Credit: Liping Lu
Chicago (June 29, 2024) Women who had higher intakes of calcium and zinc in the three months before becoming pregnant were significantly less likely to develop hypertensive disorders during pregnancy than those who had lower intakes of these essential minerals, according to a new study.
The results highlight the importance of focusing on nutrition not only during pregnancy but also before pregnancy to promote a healthy pregnancy.
“Our findings highlight that dietary calcium and zinc intake before pregnancy may reduce the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension,” said Liping Lu, MD, PhD, who conducted the study as a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University and is now an assistant professor at Ball State University. “High zinc and calcium intake before pregnancy from diet and supplements is associated with a reduced risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension.”
Lu will present his findings at NUTRITION 2024, the American Academy of Nutrition’s flagship annual meeting, taking place in Chicago from June 29 to July 2.
Hypertension is one of the most common disorders during pregnancy and can have adverse effects on the developing mother and fetus. Given the potential side 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 nutrition.
Although many people start paying attention to their nutrition once they become pregnant, it often takes time for the body to correct nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, so pre-pregnancy nutrition is important, the researchers say.
“A woman’s health before pregnancy is closely linked to pregnancy outcomes,” says Lu. “Having adequate nutrients and minerals in the body before pregnancy can ensure optimal nutritional status during pregnancy and support the early stages of fetal growth and development.”
The researchers conducted two separate studies using data from more than 7,700 pregnant women across the United States, who Nulliparic Pregnancy Outcome Study: Monitoring Pregnant WomenOne study focused on calcium and the other on zinc. Researchers analyzed the association between prepregnancy intake of each mineral and the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, after accounting for demographic, lifestyle, and health factors that are also associated with high blood pressure risk.
Results showed that women in the highest quintile of pre-pregnancy calcium intake were 24% less likely to develop hypertensive disorders during pregnancy compared with those in the lowest quintile. Participants were divided into quartiles of zinc intake, and those with the highest pre-pregnancy zinc intake were 38% less likely to develop hypertensive disorders during pregnancy compared with those with the lowest zinc intake.
As an observational study, the results do not necessarily prove causation, Lu noted. However, the findings are consistent with other studies that have shown that higher intakes of the two minerals are associated with a lower risk of hypertension-related diseases outside of pregnancy. In addition, both calcium and zinc are known to play important roles in metabolic processes related to maintaining vascular health, providing a plausible biological explanation for the notion that these minerals help prevent blood pressure disorders.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend that women of childbearing age should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 8 milligrams of zinc each day.
Roux The study will be presented at the “Dietary Micronutrients and Supplements in the Population” session on Saturday, June 29, from 3:24 to 3:36 p.m. CDT at McCormick Place.Abstract; Presentation details), and Monday, July 1, 4-4:12 p.m. CDT, McCormick Place (Abstract; Presentation details).
This release may contain updated figures or data that differ from the summary filed.
Please note that although the abstracts presented at NUTRITION 2024 were evaluated and selected by an expert committee, they have not undergone the peer review process typically required for publication in a scientific journal. Therefore, the presented research findings should be considered provisional until a peer-reviewed publication has been published.
About NUTRITION 2024
NUTRITION 2024 is the flagship meeting of the American Academy of Nutrition and the premier educational event for nutrition professionals worldwide. NUTRITION brings together laboratory scientists, clinicians, population health researchers, and community intervention investigators to identify solutions to today’s greatest nutrition challenges. Our audience also includes undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who are emerging leaders in the field. NUTRITION 2024 will be held June 29-July 2, 2024 in Chicago. https://nutrition.org/N24 #Nutrition2024
About the American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
ASN is the preeminent professional organization for nutrition researchers and clinicians worldwide. Founded in 1928, the Society brings together top nutrition researchers, health care professionals, policy makers, and industry leaders to advance nutrition knowledge and applications. ASN publishes four peer-reviewed journals and provides education and professional development opportunities to advance nutrition research, practice, and education. Since 2018, the American Society for Nutrition has produced NUTRITION, the world’s leading annual conference for nutrition professionals. http://www.nutrition.org
For more breaking news from NUTRITION 2024, visit https://www.eurekalert.org/newsroom/nutrition2024/home
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