A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from St. John’s Research Institute and Medical College has revealed groundbreaking findings regarding the required dosage of calcium for pregnant women to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. The study suggests that a low dose of 500 mg/day, with good compliance, could effectively lower the risk of preeclampsia, in contrast to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of 1,500-2,000 mg of calcium per day during pregnancy.
Preeclampsia is a serious hypertensive disorder that typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, leading to increased blood pressure and the presence of protein in the mother’s urine. In India, the incidence of preeclampsia during pregnancy varies from 5% to 15%. The severe form of preeclampsia, known as eclampsia, is characterized by seizures and can lead to mortality in some cases. Additionally, preterm births occur in up to 10%-20% of pregnancies in India, making preeclampsia and eclampsia significant contributors to maternal mortality.
The study, which spanned from 2019 to 2022 and involved 11,000 nulliparous pregnant women, was led by researchers Pratibha Dwarkanath and Anura Kurpad. It was part of two independent trials, with the other trial conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Both trials were funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The findings indicate that the required calcium dosage for reducing the risk of preeclampsia can be significantly lower than the current WHO recommendation. The study suggests that a dose of 500 mg/day, equivalent to one tablet per day, could be sufficient, provided there is good compliance. Dr. Dwarkanath emphasized that the current WHO recommendation would require the intake of three tablets a day, as each calcium tablet typically contains 500 mg of calcium.
The implications of this study are significant, particularly for populations with low dietary calcium intake, such as India. By potentially reducing the required calcium dosage, the study offers a promising avenue for improving maternal health outcomes and reducing the incidence of preeclampsia and preterm births. These findings could have far-reaching implications for maternal healthcare and pregnancy management, potentially leading to improved outcomes for mothers and babies.
