Low Dose Calcium to Prevent Preeclampsia

Low Dose Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Preeclampsia: a Cluster Randomized Study

The purpose of this study is to assess, in pregnant women with calcium-poor diets, what is the effectiveness of low-dose (500 mg/day) calcium supplements associated with an educational intervention, compared to the educational intervention alone, in the prevention of preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Capacity to understand verbal and visual instructions
• Gestational age 16 - 20 weeks
• Live fetus

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hyperparathyroidism or other contra-indication to calcium supplementation
• Gastrointestinal diseases or conditions that may interfere with calcium absorption (e.g. bariatric surgery, cancer, chronic colitis)
• Use of medications that may interfere with calcium absorption (e.g. corticosteroids, thiazides, thyroid hormones)
• Women already taking calcium supplements or daily antacids at recruitment