Since I started the week with a focus on the pregnancy related condition preeclampsia I thought it was a good time to mention a recent study (1) that looked at vitamin supplement use in pregnancy to see if there was any association with the risk of having a miscarriage.
In this study(1), the authors wanted to look at the relationship between use of prenatal vitamins in early pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. 4,752 women in the US were involved and individual data about vitamin use was collected at a first-trimester interview. Approximately 95% of participants reported use of vitamins during early pregnancy and a total of 524 women had a miscarriage. Any use of vitamins during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage when compared to women who did not take any vitamins. The researchers found that the risk for miscarriage was 57% lower among women who took vitamins, compared to those who did not.
These results suggest that taking vitamins before pregnancy and during early pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk for miscarriage. However the study is far from conclusive. It may well be that women who take vitamins also tend to be more aware of the factors considered important for health and may tend to lead generally healthier lifestyles when compared to women who do not take vitamins, other confounding factors may also be involved. Further studies are necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the effects of supplements on miscarriage risk.
In a press release (2) the lead study author said “Because miscarriage occurs very early in pregnancy, it is important for women of reproductive age, who may become pregnant, to eat a balanced diet and use vitamins.“ Recently I have written a lot about the links between various nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D and multivitamins in early pregnancy and pre pregnancy and an apparent reduced risk of various pregnancy related issues in the mother and baby. Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy is a very important time for healthy living and healthy eating.
If you are planning a pregnancy eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts/seeds, beans/pulses, fish (especially oily fish such as salmon, trout and mackerel), unprocessed meats and unprocessed/unrefined wholegrains will help to provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids (bioactive plant chemicals),fibre, protein, healthy fats and energy for you and your baby. If you feel concerned that you may not be eating a consistently nutritious diet then you may wish to consider taking a food-state multi-nutrient supplement specifically designed for use during pregnancy. An omega 3 supplement could also be helpful, especially if you do not regularly eat oily fish (at least twice a week) or nuts/seeds. Before deciding to take any supplement during pregnancy please discuss your thoughts with a GP, nurse or midwife. For information about miscarriage and support please visit the Miscarriage Association charity website.
(1)Hasan R et al. 2009. Self-reported vitamin supplementation in early pregnancy and risk of miscarriage. Am J Epidemiol. 169(11):1312-8.
(2)Reuters Health press release . Vitamin Sypplements may lessen miscarriage risk. Joene Hendry. Health eLine 05/06/2009. http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2009/06/05/eline/links/20090605elin006.html
Written by Ani Kowal
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