CoQ10 may reduce pre-eclampsia risk when taken during second and third trimesters

Most women who have given birth or who have been closely involved in another woman’s pregnancy know about pre- eclampsia – the potentially dangerous condition in some pregnant women that combines excess protein in the urine and high blood pressure.

What most of these women probably don’t know is that pre- eclampsia has been linked to oxidative stress.

Previous studies in which supplements of vitamins C and E were given to pregnant women have produced mixed results. But a new study from the Central University of Ecuador found better results with the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

About 200 pregnant women who were considered at high risk of pre-eclampsia were divided into two groups to receive 200 mg of CoQ10 daily or a placebo. The intervention period ran from the 20th week of pregnancy to delivery. Results: 30 women in the placebo group developed pre-eclampsia, while only 17 did in the CoQ10 group.

This is the first study to test CoQ10 as a pre-eclampsia preventive, so further research is needed to confirm the results. Meanwhile, you can read more about CoQ10 in the e- Alert “Power to the Powerhouses” (6/28/04), which examined the use of CoQ10 in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Many women experience a first migraine during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor before adding CoQ10 to your supplement regimen.

Source:
“CoQ10 May Cut Pre-Eclampsia in High-Risk Women” Stephen Daniells, NutraIngredients-USA, 4/1/09, nutraingredients- usa.com