Effect of Calcium Supplementation on Blood Pressure of Pregnant Women

The occurrence of pregnancy induced hypertension in low-income young nulliparous women is confirmed in different reports and increase the risk of preeclampsia. More knowledge on the role of nutrients especially calcium demonstrates its major role in regulating blood pressure. Sufficient intake of pregnancy can prevent pregnancy induced hypertension. This study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of one gram calcium supplementation (Calcium carbonate) on the blood pressure of young normotensive pregnant women. The study population consisted of 58 pregnant women visited in Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran, the samples were selected sequentially among nulliparous normotensive pregnant women under 25 years old, without disease or drug usage ( except for iron supplements). The study population were randomly subdivided into case and control groups who received calcium or placebo from 26th week of pregnancy the results indicated that calcium supplementation prevents systolic and diabetic hypertension in case group. There was significant difference in alterations in blood pressure between case and contol groups (3. 7 vs 6.1, respectively). Daily calcium and phosphoros intake from food stuffs was lower than recommended Daily allowance (RDA) in both groups. This study demonstrates that daily intake of 1 gram calcium supplementation can induce a relation of 44. 83 % in systolic and diastolic blood pressure which can play a major role in reduction of pregnancy induces hypertension.