Vitamins E and B12 Reduce Risk of Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, miscarriages, preterm births, and stillbirths are significant health concerns worldwide. While previous studies have suggested that nutritional approaches might reduce the risk of these complications, this new study, using a method known as Mendelian randomization, provides stronger evidence for the roles of specific nutrients. Mendelian randomization uses genetic data to mimic the effects of a randomized controlled trial, thus helping to clarify whether the nutrients studied causally affect pregnancy outcomes.

Published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal, the research analyzed genetic data from large biobanks and found some intriguing links. Higher levels of vitamin E in the blood were associated with a lower risk of miscarriage, while a genetic predisposition to higher vitamin B12 levels seemed to reduce the risk of stillbirth. These findings are important as they suggest that targeted nutritional interventions could help in preventing specific complications during pregnancy.

To learn more about the importance of essential nutrients during pregnancy, see parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.