Pre-eclampsia
Supplements studied for Pre-eclampsia.
Overview
SupplementDEX lists 3 supplements studied for pre-eclampsia across 8 trials. The strongest indexed signals include Lycopene, Caffeine, Lutein. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for full ratings across all supplements.
Effect graph
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Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
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LycopeneView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some research suggests that pregnant women who eat the most lycopene (a nutrient found in tomatoes) may have a lower chance of getting pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
- Studies of lycopene supplements show mixed results.
- In one study, taking lycopene twice a day during pregnancy helped lower blood pressure and reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia, early labor, and poor baby growth.
- But another study, using a lower daily dose, found no protection against pre-eclampsia, and women actually had more cases of low birth weight and preterm labor.
- More research is needed to know if lycopene supplements are effective in pregnancy.
Browse 3 studies
ObservationalDietary carotenoid intake and risk of developing preeclampsia: a hospital-based case-control study2022n=880
In 440 preeclampsia cases and 440 matched controls in China, higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower preeclampsia odds (OR 0.32 highest vs lowest quartile).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 880
- Ages
- 18+
RCTTrial of lycopene to prevent pre-eclampsia in healthy primigravidas: results show some adverse effects2009
An RCT of 159 healthy primigravidas given 2 mg/day lycopene vs placebo found no difference in pre-eclampsia rates (~18%) but higher preterm labor (10.4% vs 1.2%) and low birthweight (22% vs 10%) in the lycopene group.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 2 mg/day
- Population
- Women
RCTEffect of lycopene on pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in primigravidas2003n=116
An RCT of 251 primigravidas found 2 mg lycopene twice daily reduced pre-eclampsia (8.6% vs 17.7%), intrauterine growth retardation (12% vs 23.7%), and increased mean fetal weight (2,751 vs 2,657 g) vs placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 16–20 weeks
- Dose
- 2 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 116
CaffeineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Several studies have explored whether caffeine affects the risk of preeclampsia, with research involving anywhere from a few dozen to nearly 8,000 participants.
- One study found no clear relationship between caffeine intake and preeclampsia risk.
- Another reported that women who drank about 2 to 3 cups of caffeine per day had a slightly lower risk, while a separate study found no connection at all.
Browse 3 studies
ObservationalAssessment of Caffeine Consumption and Maternal Cardiometabolic Pregnancy Complications2021n=54
In 2,583 pregnant women, second-trimester caffeinated beverage intake 1–100 mg/day was associated with lower gestational diabetes risk and better glucose and lipid profiles; no links to preeclampsia or gestational hypertension were found.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 54
- Avg age
- ~28
ObservationalCaffeine Consumption and Incidence of Hypertension in Pregnancy2013
An observational study titled to assess caffeine consumption and hypertension in pregnancy; no abstract text was available to report specific risk estimates or intake thresholds.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Pregnant women
ObservationalMaternal caffeine intake, blood pressure, and the risk of hypertensive complications during pregnancy. The Generation R Study2011n=7,890
In 7,890 pregnant women (Generation R), caffeine intake was associated with slightly higher first- and third-trimester systolic blood pressure, but 2–3.9 units/day caffeine linked to lower pre-eclampsia odds (OR 0.63) versus <2 units/day.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 7,890
LuteinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some research shows that women with higher levels of lutein in the blood may have a lower risk of pre-eclampsia. Eating more foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin during pregnancy has also been linked to a much lower chance of developing pre-eclampsia. It is not known if taking lutein supplements has the same effect.
- Eating foods rich in carotenoids like colorful fruits and vegetables may help lower the risk of preeclampsia, although more research is needed before making firm dietary recommendations. Researchers studied 880 pregnant women in China, half with preeclampsia and half without. They found that women who ate more foods rich in carotenoids—natural pigments found in colorful fruits and vegetables—had a much lower chance of developing preeclampsia. Beta-carotene (found in carrots, sweet potatoes), lutein and zeaxanthin (in leafy greens), beta-cryptoxanthin (in oranges), and lycopene (in tomatoes) all showed protective effects. Women with the highest intakes had up to 70% lower risk compared with those eating the least.
- In Zimbabwe, doctors tested blood samples from nearly 360 pregnant women. They found that women with higher blood levels of certain carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin were less likely to develop preeclampsia. However, very high triglyceride (blood fat) levels were strongly linked to increased risk. Vitamin E compounds (tocopherols) and lycopene were not clearly related.
Browse 2 studies
ObservationalDietary carotenoid intake and risk of developing preeclampsia: a hospital-based case-control study2022n=880
In 440 preeclampsia cases and 440 matched controls in China, higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower preeclampsia odds (OR 0.32 highest vs lowest quartile).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 880
- Ages
- 18+
Clinical trialPlasma carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and lipoproteins in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant Zimbabwean women2003
In 359 pregnant Zimbabwean women, higher plasma beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin were inversely associated with preeclampsia risk after adjustment.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.