Calcium For Pregnant Moms

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as elevated pressure or tension in the arteries. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all of the tissues and organs of the body. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure between 120/80 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg is called "pre-hypertension." Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or above is considered high blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure, which is the top number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood. Diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. High blood pressure is a major health concern that can lead to diseases like heart failure and stroke. About 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, and about 30 percent of them don't even know it.

CALCIUM HELPS: A new study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Miami and elsewhere shows the amount of calcium taken during the second trimester of pregnancy influences blood pressure in babies and could impact their cardiac health for the rest of their lives. Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz, from the University of Miami School of Medicine, said, "The implications of these findings could be enormous for public health. They suggest that supplementing a pregnant woman's diet with calcium during the middle-third of her pregnancy may not only lower the blood pressure in her newborn, but in widespread use, could help prevent high blood pressure in the next generation."

THE STUDY: The women in the study had their dietary intake assessed during pregnancy. Researchers found that for every 500-milligram increase of supplemental calcium taken during the second trimester, there was a significant decrease in blood pressure when the infants were 6 months old. Researchers say this is important because the six-month blood pressure readings are thought to predict adult high blood pressure. Lipshultz said, "By measuring blood pressure at six months, it enables you, very early on, to see who is at risk for developing serious cardiovascular problems later in life. The complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke and congestive heart failure, are among the leading causes of illness and death in adults. If the calcium link to lower blood pressure holds true in further studies, we may one day see a woman taking calcium supplements to prevent blood pressure problems in her unborn child, in much the same way women now take folic acid to prevent birth defects."

WHAT'S THE RIGHT AMOUNT? Researchers say the study results suggest pregnant women should try to achieve a calcium intake of 1,200 milligrams a day. To put that in perspective, a glass of milk or yogurt has about 300 milligrams and two antacid tablets have about 500 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams, depending on the size.

For More Information, Contact:
Omar Montejo
Public Relations
University of Miami School of Medicine
Miami, FL
(305) 243-5654
omontejo@miami.edu

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