Preeclampsia
Supplements studied for preeclampsia.
Overview
Calcium has the strongest supplement evidence for preeclampsia prevention, with 18 studies showing that daily supplementation during pregnancy—typically 500 to 2000 mg—may roughly halve risk, especially in people with low dietary calcium. Magnesium sulfate, studied in 9 trials, is the established treatment to prevent seizures in preeclampsia when given by injection, though this is a medical intervention rather than oral supplementation.
Vitamin B9 (Folate) (6 studies) does not appear to prevent preeclampsia reliably, and Fish Oil (5 studies) shows mixed results on risk reduction. Vitamin D (3 studies) has unclear preventive benefit, though some guidelines suggest supplementation during pregnancy for broader maternal-fetal outcomes. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for condition-specific ratings.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Magnesium | ★★★★★ | High |
| Calcium | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Vitamin B6 | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Selenium | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Fish Oil | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
11 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
MagnesiumView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Magnesium sulfate is the preferred medicine to help prevent seizures in women with pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure.
- It is given by injection into a vein or muscle.
- The usual starting dose is 4–5 grams through an IV drip, followed by smaller doses every 4 hours as needed or a steady infusion.
- Your doctor will adjust the dose based on blood and urine tests to keep you safe and will not exceed about 30 to 40 grams each day.
- Research shows magnesium reduces the chance of having seizures related to pre-eclampsia better than some other medicines.
- Taking magnesium supplements by mouth during pregnancy has not been shown to prevent pre-eclampsia.
Browse 9 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaDuration of Postpartum Magnesium Sulphate for the Prevention of Eclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 10 studies found 12-hour postpartum magnesium sulfate did not increase eclampsia risk vs 24-hour regimens (RD −0.01), though heterogeneity was high and data remain underpowered.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
RCTMagnesium supplementation and preeclampsia in low-income pregnant women - a randomized double-blind clinical trial2020
An RCT of 318 low-income Brazilian pregnant women found 300 mg/day magnesium citrate did not reduce preeclampsia incidence (18.1% vs 19.7%, OR 0.90) vs placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 300 mg
- Population
- Women
- Ages
- 18–45
Systematic reviewA systematic review of maternal and infant outcomes following magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in real-world use2012n=1,831
A systematic review of 6 real-world studies (1,831 women) found magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia/eclampsia associated with lower maternal death, recurrent seizures, and eclampsia rates, consistent with RCT evidence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 1,831
MetaQuantifying the fall in mortality associated with interventions related to hypertensive diseases of pregnancy2011
A review of intervention trials confirmed magnesium sulfate among five effective interventions for reducing maternal mortality from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
MetaMagnesium sulphate and other anticonvulsants for women with pre-eclampsia2010n=11,444
A Cochrane review of 15 trials (11,444 women) found magnesium sulfate more than halved eclampsia risk (RR 0.41, NNT 100) and reduced placental abruption (RR 0.64) in preeclampsia, with increased minor side effects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 11,444
Meta[Magnesium sulfate in obstetrics: current data]2004
A review of RCT evidence confirmed magnesium sulfate effective for eclampsia and preeclampsia seizure prophylaxis but ineffective as a tocolytic, with high cumulative doses possibly increasing infant mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
RCTDo women with pre-eclampsia, and their babies, benefit from magnesium sulphate? The Magpie Trial: a randomised placebo-controlled trial2002n=10,141
The Magpie Trial of 10,141 women with preeclampsia found magnesium sulfate halved eclampsia risk (0.8% vs 1.9%, 58% reduction) and reduced maternal mortality, without increasing stillbirth or neonatal death.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 4 g
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 10,141
ObservationalMagnesium sulfate therapy in preeclampsia and eclampsia1998n=935
A review of 19 RCTs found magnesium sulfate reduced recurrent eclampsia seizures to 9.4% vs 23.1% with phenytoin or diazepam, and preeclampsia seizures to 0.9% vs 2.8% with antihypertensives alone.
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 935
MetaMagnesium sulphate in the treatment of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia: an overview of the evidence from randomised trials1996
A meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (1,743 eclampsia + 2,390 preeclampsia patients) found magnesium sulfate superior to phenytoin (OR 0.27) and diazepam (OR 0.41) for preventing eclampsia seizure recurrence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
CalciumView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking calcium supplements every day during pregnancy can help lower the risk of pre-eclampsia—a dangerous condition caused by high blood pressure.
- This benefit is especially strong for pregnant people who don’t get much calcium in their diets or are at higher risk.
- Studies show that taking 500 to 2000 mg of calcium a day (about the amount in two to four cups of milk) can reduce the chances of pre-eclampsia by about half.
- Both low and high doses work.
Browse 18 studies·6 meta-analyses
MetaEffectiveness of calcium supplementation in the prevention of gestational hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials2024n=39,270
A meta-analysis of 22 pregnancy RCTs (39,270 women) found calcium supplementation significantly reduced preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders vs control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 39,270
RCTTwo Randomized Trials of Low-Dose Calcium Supplementation in Pregnancy2024n=22,000
Two RCTs of 11,000 nulliparous women each found 500 mg/day calcium noninferior to 1500 mg/day for preventing preeclampsia and preterm birth in India and Tanzania.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 22,000
MetaClinical efficacy of low-dose aspirin combined with calcium in preventing preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis2023
A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs found low-dose aspirin plus calcium lowered preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, and postpartum hemorrhage vs control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
MetaCalcium for pre-eclampsia prevention: A systematic review and network meta-analysis to guide personalised antenatal care2022n=20
A network meta-analysis of 30 trials (20,445 women) found high (≥1 g/day) and low calcium doses similarly halved preeclampsia risk; benefits were greatest with low baseline intake.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 20
RCTPrepregnancy and early pregnancy calcium supplementation among women at high risk of pre-eclampsia: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial2019n=678
In 678 high-risk women, 500 mg/day calcium before 20 weeks did not prevent preeclampsia; all received 1.5 g/day after 20 weeks per protocol.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- prepregnancy to 20 weeks' gestation
- Dose
- 5 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 678
MetaCalcium and Vitamin D Supplementation for Prevention of Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis2017n=28,000
A network meta-analysis of 27 pregnancy RCTs (28,000 women) found calcium, vitamin D, or both reduced preeclampsia risk vs placebo with overlapping effect sizes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 28,000
MetaCalcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems2014n=8,312
A Cochrane review of 13 high-quality trials (15,730 women) found ≥1 g/day calcium reduced high BP (RR 0.65) and preeclampsia (RR 0.45), especially in low-calcium diets.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 8,312
- Ages
- 18–65
MetaCalcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems2010n=15,730
A Cochrane update of 13 trials (15,730 women) confirmed calcium ≥1 g/day lowered hypertension and preeclampsia, with largest effects in high-risk and low-calcium populations.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 15,730
MetaCalcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems2006n=15,206
An earlier Cochrane review of 12 trials (15,206 women) found daily calcium cut high BP risk 30% and preeclampsia risk 52% vs placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 15,206
ObservationalDietary fiber, potassium, magnesium and calcium in relation to the risk of preeclampsia2005n=511
A case-control study of 511 women found higher fiber and potassium intake inversely associated with preeclampsia; calcium showed a nonsignificant trend toward protection.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 4.1 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 511
RCTSupplementary calcium in prevention of pre-eclampsia2001
In 30 high-risk Iranian pregnancies, 2 g/day calcium reduced preeclampsia 7-fold vs placebo and delayed hypertension onset, though sample size was small.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Women
RCTCalcium supplementation in nulliparous women for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia and preterm birth: an Australian randomized trial. FRACOG and the ACT Study Group1999
In 456 Australian nulliparas, 1.8 g/day calcium reduced preeclampsia and preterm birth (RR 0.44 each); pooled trials also showed lower hypertension risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- until delivery (<24 weeks' gestation to delivery)
- Dose
- 1.8 g/day
- Population
- Women
RCTResolving discrepancies between a meta-analysis and a subsequent large controlled trial1999n=225
Reanalysis reconciling calcium meta-analyses with the large CPEP null trial found heterogeneity by population calcium intake and risk profile explained conflicting results.
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 225
MetaNutritional interventions for the prevention of maternal morbidity1998
A nutritional interventions overview found calcium most clearly reduced hypertension and preeclampsia in high-risk or low-calcium pregnant populations.
- Population
- Women
RCTRisk factors associated with preeclampsia in healthy nulliparous women. The Calcium for Preeclampsia Prevention (CPEP) Study Group1997n=4,589
Baseline analysis of 4,314 CPEP nulliparas identified BMI, BP, and race among predictors of preeclampsia; randomization to calcium did not predict outcome.
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 4,589
RCTTrial of calcium to prevent preeclampsia1997n=2,295
In 4,589 healthy nulliparas, 2 g/day calcium from mid-pregnancy did not reduce preeclampsia (6.9% vs 7.3%) or its severity vs placebo in the CPEP trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 13–21 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 2,295
RCTCalcium supplementation and prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension1996n=103
In 190 nulliparous women from 20 weeks, 2 g/day calcium reduced pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia vs placebo in a community RCT.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 20 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 103
MetaEffect of calcium supplementation on pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials1996n=2,459
A meta-analysis of 14 pregnancy trials (2,459 women) found calcium lowered systolic BP 5.4 mmHg, diastolic BP 3.4 mmHg, and preeclampsia odds 62%.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 2,459
Vitamin B6View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin B6 by mouth or injection does not seem to lower the chance of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
- Studies using daily doses of 25 mg or single doses of 100 mg found no benefit compared to no treatment.
- More studies are required.
Browse 2 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaPyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation during pregnancy or labour for maternal and neonatal outcomes2015n=1,242
A meta-analysis of 1242 participants found that vitamin B6 as oral capsules or lozenges resulted in decreased risk of dental decay in pregnant women (capsules: risk ratio (RR) 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 0.98; one trial, n = 371, low quality of evidence; lozenges: RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.83; one trial, n =.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 1,242
MetaInterventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy2012
A meta-analysis found that in meta-analyses, vitamins C and E increased the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension (relative risk 1.10 [95% CI 1.02, 1.19]).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 217 g/day
- Population
- Pregnant women
Fish OilView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking fish oil by mouth may not reliably lower the chance of developing pre-eclampsia.
- Studies show mixed results: a summary of 16 research trials found that taking 1–3 grams of fish oil daily, starting between weeks 12 and 20 of pregnancy, might reduce the risk.
- But some individual studies found no benefit.
Browse 5 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaThe effect of Omega-3 supplementation and fish oil on preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis2024n=8,004
A meta-analysis of 16 trials (8,004 intervention, 8,233 control subjects) found omega-3/fish oil supplementation did not show consistent significant reduction in preeclampsia risk across included studies.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 8,004
RCTFish oil supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum in mothers with overweight and obesity to improve body composition and metabolic health during infancy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial2023n=129
A double-blind RCT showing that maternal fish oil supplementation had minimal effects on infant metabolic health or body composition in mothers with overweight or obesity. A study of 129 overweight women (> 25 BMI) found that 6 g/day fish oil (taken from mid-pregnancy until up to 3 months postpartum) did not have any benefit for preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Of the 63 mothers taking fish oil, none experienced pre-eclampsia, compared to 2 of 61 in the placebo group. Fish oil supplementation did not affect infant body composition at 2 weeks, but did reduce maternal triglycerides by 17% at 30 wk of pregnancy and infant triglycerides by 21% at 3 mo of age, with no changes in maternal or infant insulin resistance. Fish oil supplementation increased infant BMI and ponderal index at age 3 months. [10630]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12–20 weeks
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 129
MetaFish Oil Supplementation does not Reduce Risks of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, or Pre-Eclampsia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2015n=5,000
This meta-analysis found no significant effect of fish oil supplementation on reducing gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or preeclampsia. A meta-analysis of 11 studies found that fish oil supplementation did not reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. [10631]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 5,000
RCTFish-oil supplementation in pregnancy does not reduce the risk of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia2012n=2,399
A prospective study showing that fish-oil supplementation during pregnancy did not reduce gestational diabetes or preeclampsia risk. A multicentre study of 2399 pregnant women of <21 wk gestation found that DHA-enriched fish oil (800 mg/day) taken until birth, did not reduce the risk of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes mellitus compared to placebo. [10632]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 21 weeks
- Dose
- 800 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 2,399
RCTEffects of a combination of evening primrose oil (gamma linolenic acid) and fish oil (eicosapentaenoic + docahexaenoic acid) versus magnesium, and versus placebo in preventing pre-eclampsia1992
In pregnant women supplemented 6 months, combined evening primrose and fish oil reduced edema incidence to 13% versus 29% placebo (p=0.004); magnesium reduced hypertension, and all 3 eclampsia cases occurred in placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
MelatoninView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In a small study of women with pre-eclampsia, taking melatonin (10 mg) with vitamin B6 (10 mg) three times a day until delivery reduced the need to increase blood pressure medicines on some days but did not lessen the overall severity of pre-eclampsia.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialMelatonin improves endothelial function in vitro and prolongs pregnancy in women with early-onset preeclampsia2018n=20
In preeclampsia patients, melatonin improved endothelial function in vitro and prolonged pregnancy versus placebo in a combined lab and clinical study.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 20
SeleniumView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking selenium supplements during pregnancy might help lower the chance of developing pre-eclampsia.
- Some studies suggest that women who take 60 to 100 mcg of selenium daily for several months have a much lower risk of pre-eclampsia compared to those who don't.
- Women who develop pre-eclampsia tend to have lower selenium levels than those who do not.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaSelenium and Preeclampsia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2016n=1,515
A meta-analysis found lower blood selenium in preeclampsia patients than controls, but selenium supplementation trials did not clearly prevent preeclampsia.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 1,515
RCTEffect of selenium on markers of risk of pre-eclampsia in UK pregnant women: a randomised, controlled pilot trial2014
In 230 UK pregnant women, selenium 60 mcg/day from weeks 12–14 to delivery did not reduce preeclampsia or oxidative stress markers versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12–14 weeks
- Dose
- 60 mcg/day
- Population
- Women
RCTSelenium supplementation and the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant Iranian women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial2010n=83
In 60 high-risk Iranian pregnant women, selenium 100 mcg/day for 6 months did not prevent preeclampsia versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 100 mcg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 83
Vitamin B9 (Folate)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking folic acid by mouth does not seem to prevent pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
- Research on low doses of folic acid shows mixed results; some studies suggest it may lower the risk, but others find no effect.
- A large study of women carrying twins found that taking a high dose of folic acid during pregnancy did not reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.
Browse 6 studies·2 meta-analyses
RCTEffect of high-dose folic acid supplementation on the prevention of preeclampsia in twin pregnancy2022n=2,464
A secondary analysis of 428 twin pregnancies in the FACT trial found high-dose folic acid (4–5.1 mg/day) did not significantly prevent preeclampsia versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- from 8–16 weeks gestation to delivery
- Dose
- 5.1 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 2,464
- Ages
- 18+
ObservationalFolic Acid and Risk of Preterm Birth, Preeclampsia, and Fetal Growth Restriction Among Women With Epilepsy: A Prospective Cohort Study2022n=64
An observational study of 64 women found that aSM-treated women with epilepsy starting folic acid after the first trimester had a higher risk compared with women without epilepsy with similar timing of folic acid (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.5), and even higher if not using folic acid (aOR 9.4, 95% CI 2.6-34.8).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks before pregnancy to 12 weeks gestation
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 64
RCTEffect of high dose folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on pre-eclampsia (FACT): double blind, phase III, randomised controlled, international, multicentre trial2018
The FACT trial in 2,301 high-risk pregnant women found 4 mg/day folic acid did not reduce preeclampsia versus placebo (14.8% vs 13.5%; RR 1.10).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- from 8 weeks gestation to delivery
- Dose
- 4.0 mg/day
- Population
- Women
MetaMaternal folic acid supplementation for the prevention of preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis2018
A meta-analysis of 8 observational studies found maternal folic acid supplementation associated with 22% lower preeclampsia odds (OR 0.78), though evidence quality was low.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Pregnant women
MetaEffect of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on gestational hypertension/preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis2016
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found folic acid reduced gestational hypertension/preeclampsia in RCTs (RR 0.62) but not in cohort studies; overall benefit remains uncertain.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Pregnant women
Clinical trialFolic acid supplementation during early pregnancy and the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia2013n=554
In 193,554 Chinese pregnant women, daily 400 µg folic acid alone in early pregnancy did not prevent gestational hypertension or preeclampsia and may have slightly increased risk.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 400 mcg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 554
Vitamin CView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin C, alone or with vitamin E, does not lower the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy.
- Some studies even suggest it might increase the chance of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Browse 5 studies·3 meta-analyses
MetaVitamin C supplementation in pregnancy2015n=24,300
A Cochrane review of 29 trials (24,300 pregnant women) found vitamin C did not prevent preterm birth, preeclampsia, or stillbirth overall.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 24,300
MetaPrevention of pre-eclampsia with low-dose aspirin or vitamins C and E in women at high or low risk: a systematic review with meta-analysis2011
A meta-analysis of 15 trials found neither aspirin nor vitamins C/E prevented preeclampsia in high- or low-risk women.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
MetaSupplementation with vitamins C and E during pregnancy for the prevention of preeclampsia and other adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and metaanalysis2011n=19,810
A meta-analysis of 9 trials (19,810 women) found vitamins C and E during pregnancy did not prevent preeclampsia and increased gestational hypertension.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 19,810
MetaA meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women2009
A meta-analysis of 7 trials (5,969 women) found combined vitamins C and E increased gestational hypertension and low birth weight without reducing preeclampsia.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
RCTEffect of antioxidants on the occurrence of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk: a randomised trial1999n=142
An RCT in 283 high-risk pregnant women found vitamins C (1,000 mg) and E (400 IU) reduced preeclampsia (8% vs 17% with placebo).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1000 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 142
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking vitamin D during pregnancy helps prevent or treat pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication.
- Some studies did not find that vitamin D lowers this risk.
- Still, expert guidelines suggest that pregnant women might consider taking vitamin D supplements or fortified foods, even without testing their vitamin D levels, to possibly reduce risks of pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, early birth, low birth weight, and newborn death.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaEfficacy of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis2024n=10,613
A meta-analysis of RCTs in 10,613 pregnant women found vitamin D supplementation did not significantly reduce preeclampsia incidence versus control.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 10,613
MetaVitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy2024n=1,368
An updated Cochrane review of 10 RCTs (2,313 pregnant women) found vitamin D alone may reduce severe postpartum hemorrhage and low birthweight, but evidence was low to very low certainty.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 1,368
RCTThe Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnant Women with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial2023n=119
An RCT in 119 pregnant women with overweight/obesity found 800 IU/day vitamin D3 raised maternal 25(OH)D versus 400 IU/day but did not significantly improve lipid profiles or pregnancy outcomes.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 24–28 weeks
- Dose
- 800 IU/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 119
- Ages
- 21–45
ZeaxanthinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking zeaxanthin helps prevent pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
- Women who eat the most lutein and zeaxanthin during pregnancy have about a 68% lower chance of developing pre-eclampsia compared to those who eat the least.
- The benefits of zeaxanthin supplements for this are unknown.
Browse 1 study
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+
ProbioticsView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Probiotics have insufficient evidence for Preeclampsia.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaThe effects of probiotics administration during pregnancy on preeclampsia and associated maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis2024n=4,016
A meta-analysis of 29 pregnancy RCTs (7735 women) found probiotics may not reduce preeclampsia risk (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.84–1.53; low certainty).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 4,016
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | ★★★★★68% | 18 | 6 | 33% |
| Magnesium | ★★★★★76% | 9 | 2 | 17% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★40% | 6 | 2 | 11% |
| Fish Oil | ★★★★★40% | 5 | 2 | 9% |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★40% | 5 | 3 | 9% |
| Selenium | ★★★★★40% | 3 | 1 | 6% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★40% | 3 | 1 | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | ★★★★★48% | 2 | 2 | 4% |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★36% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |