Comparison of the Antioxidant Nutrient Profile among Normal Pregnant Women and Women having Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a multifactorial disorder comprising many organs. Oxidative stress (OS) has been intensely linked to its occurrence. Vitamin E, a lipophilic chain breaking antioxidant has been proved to suppress the OS. Present study was designed to investigate antioxidant nutrient profile in patients with different grades of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and to compare them with normal pregnant controls.

Methods: The study group comprised 110 patients divided in three groups as Group A (n=40) Normotensive patients, Group B (n=40) Mild hypertensive, Group C (n=30) Severe hypertensive. Vitamin A, B-Carotene, serum alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and vitamin C levels were analysed.

Results: Serum alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) was significantly low in severe and mild cases (0.32±0.00 mg/dl, 0.74±0.03 mg/dl respectively), when compared with normal pregnant women levels (0.78±0.040). All other nutrients were also found to be in reduced quantity for Group C when compared to control group (P value <0.001).

Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that in patients with risk of preeclampsia (PE) adequate antioxidant nutrients may have a role in cessation of free radical-mediated cell disturbances, and thereby protecting against endothelial cell damage, which is the key factor in PE development.