Expression of Concern: The effects of vitamin D plus calcium supplementation on metabolic profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women at risk for pre‐eclampsia. Issue 4 (14th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samimi, M.; Kashi, M.; Foroozanfard, F.; Karamali, M.; Bahmani, F.; Asemi, Z.; Hamidian, Y.; Talari, H. R.; Esmaillzadeh, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics. Volume 29:Issue 4(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 505
• Page End: 515
• Publication Date: 2015-10-14
• Subjects: calcium -- pre‐eclampsia -- pregnancy outcomes -- supplementation -- vitamin D; Dietetics -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3871

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The present study was designed to examine the effects of vitamin D plus calcium administration on metabolic profiles and pregnancy outcomes among women at risk for pre‐eclampsia. Methods: In a prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 60 women at risk for pre‐eclampsia were randomised to take either 50 000 IU vitamin D3 every 2 weeks plus 1000 mg day −1 calcium supplements (as calcium carbonate) ( n = 30) or to receive placebos at the same times ( n = 30) from 20 to 32 weeks of gestation. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and 12 weeks after intervention to determine related variables. Newborn anthropometric measurements were determined. Results: Taking combined cholecalciferol and calcium supplements, compared to placebo, led to significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [mean (SD)] [−5.7 (5.5) versus −0.6 (12.6) mg dL −1, P = 0.04], serum insulin concentrations [−2.8 (6.0) versus +7.7 (9.8) μIU mL −1, P < 0.001], homeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance [−0.8 (1.3) versus +1.6 (2.2), P < 0.001], homeostatic model assessment‐beta cell function [−8.2 (25.8) versus +32.6 (41.3, P < 0.001] and a significant rise in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index score [+0.02 (0.02) versus −0.02 (0.02, P < 0.001]. Additionally, pregnant women who received cholecalciferol plus calcium supplements had increased serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol [+4.6 (8.3) versus −2.9 (7.7) mg dL −1, P = 0.001] and plasma total glutathione (GSH) concentrations [+23.4 (124.0) versus −94.8 (130.2) μm, P = 0.001] compared to placebo. However, after adjustment for the baseline levels, maternal age and baseline body mass index, the effects on FPG levels ( P = 0.13) and systolic blood pressure ( P = 0.13) disappeared. Conclusions: Vitamin D plus calcium administration for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on glycaemic status, HDL‐cholesterol, GSH and blood pressure among women at risk for pre‐eclampsia.