LOS ANGELES — Contrary to the results of earlier studies, large
quantities of vitamins C and E do not prevent preeclampsia, high blood
pressure and other complications of pregnancy, researchers found in the
largest study of the vitamins to date. British researchers reported about a
decade ago that the vitamins, which are known to be antioxidants, lowered
the risk of preeclampsia, but subsequent studies have yielded mixed results.
Preeclampsia, which affects about 6 percent of pregnancies, is a sudden
increase in blood pressure, usually occurring after the 20th week of
pregnancy. It can damage the mother's kidney, liver and brain and lead to
the death of the mother and infant if left untreated.
To examine the subject more thoroughly, a team headed by Dr. James M.
Roberts of the University of Pittsburgh enrolled 10,154 pregnant women in
the ninth to 16th week of their pregnancies. All were in their first
pregnancy, were healthy and did not have hypertension or gestational
diabetes. In addition to their normal pregnancy vitamins, half received
1,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 400 international units of vitamin E daily
— about 10 times the normal daily dose — or a placebo.
The rate of preeclampsia was 7.2 percent among those taking the vitamins
compared with 6.7 percent among those taking a placebo, a statistically
insignificant difference.
Roberts cautioned women against discontinuing their pregnancy vitamins,
which are important to maintain the health of the mother and fetus. At the
level of vitamins used in the study, he said, they should be considered
drugs, not supplements.
Source : greatfallstribune.com
