Early calcium intake and oxidative stress response in pregnant women vulnerable to preeclampsia

Abstract

The goal of this study is to figure out whether early calcium supplementation influences the oxidant and antioxidant levels in pregnant women susceptible to preeclampsia and the extent to which it is prevented. A study in Karachi, Pakistan, involved 150 pregnant women, grouped into control and case groups comprising 75 each. Calcium supplementation was prescribed during the first trimester to cases, while controls started at 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected, and oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and C-reactive protein levels were assessed. With a significance level of < 0.05, the data set was evaluated using the student's t-test, and the percentage of protection achieved by calcium supplementation was estimated. The average age of pregnant women receiving calcium treatment was 28.57 ± 5.14 years, while the control group was 25.96 ± 4.24 years. The treated group showed no significant differences in oxidants and antioxidants levels in both trimesters. However, the control group showed higher oxidant and inflammatory markers in the second trimester. The control group and treated group were compared in terms of oxidants and antioxidants levels in the first trimester. We discovered no notable differences. However, in the second trimester, the treated group showed lower oxidant and inflammatory markers, as well as higher antioxidant activity. The treated group was found to be more protective. We concluded that the early calcium treated group showed a significant reduction in oxidative stress and antioxidant effects, which lessened the risk of preeclampsia and associated consequences.