The Beneficial Effects of Calcium Supplementation Plus Low-Dose Aspirin on Metabolic Profiles in Pregnant Women at Risk for Pre-Eclampsia: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> Increased metabolic profiles during pregnancy are associated with an increasing risk for maternal and fetal morbidity and remain a significant medical challenge. To our knowledge there are no reports on the favorable effects of calcium supplementation plus aspirin on metabolic profiles among pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia. <strong>Objectives:</strong> This study was designed to determine the favorable effects of taking calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin on metabolic profiles among Iranian pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 54 primigravida pregnant women, aged from aged 18 to 40 years with gestational age of 27 weeks and positive roll-over test. The population under study was randomly divided into two groups each including 27 subjects. The case group received 500 mg calcium supplement plus 80 mg aspirin for 9 weeks, compared with untreated placebo control group. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after intervention period to measure fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and serum lipid profiles. <strong>Results:</strong> As compared to the placebo, consumption of calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin resulted in a significant difference in serum triglycerides levels (8.8 vs.51.7 mg/dL, P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between case and the placebo groups regarding fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum total, HDL, LDL cholesterol levels. As for the placebo group, significant increases were observed in serum total cholesterol (+ 12.4 mg/dL, P = 0.01) and triglycerides levels (+ 51.7 mg/dL, P < 0.0001). <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The consumption of calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin for 9 weeks in pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia resulted in significant reduction in serum triglycerides levels compared to the placebo group, but did not affect FPG and other lipid profiles.