Scientists have linked the rise in a naturally occurring chemical found in the blood with preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure, swelling in the legs and other symptoms.
The complication affects as many as 1 in 10 first pregnancies.
If left untreated, preeclampsia can develop into eclampsia, a life-threatening condition in which a woman has convulsive seizures in late pregnancy or during the first week after delivery.
Researchers demonstrated for the first time that levels of S-nitrosoalbumin, a chemical found in blood, are significantly elevated in women with preeclampsia.
Normally, the body uses naturally produced nitric oxide (NO) to help keep blood vessels relaxed, which helps keep blood pressure in check. In an effort to keep NO readily available, the body keeps a reserve of the chemical in the blood in the form of another chemical called S-nitrosoalbumin.
The women with preeclampsia were found to have levels of S-nitrosoalbumin that were 2 to 3 times higher than those of the other study participants.
In addition, women with preeclampsia also had low levels of vitamin C in their blood. Normally, vitamin C helps break down the S-nitrosoalbumin to release nitric oxide into the bloodstream.
Researchers speculate that the connection between low vitamin C and high S-nitrosoalbumin levels is important for preeclampsia, as it implies that the amounts of usable NO that are necessary for proper control of vascular relaxation are not sufficient.
Circulation Research June 8, 2001;88
An estimated 50,000 women per year worldwide die from preeclampsia. This is a serious issue. A natural solution would be most welcome. It appears that vitamin C can now be added to the possible nutritional therapies that appear to be helpful for this problem, which include:
One can certainly take supplements for these nutrients, but it would be far more prudent to obtain them from natural unprocessed food sources if possible.
This would provide one with the benefit of receiving as yet identified accessory nutrients which would be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of this condition.
Also, a recent study has shown that preeclampsia is related to insulin resistance (Gynecol Obstet Invest 1999;48:241-6). Therefore, it would seem prudent to avoid overdoing the carbohydrates during pregnancy, particularly the grains and refined sugar, which will increase insulin resistance and your chances of getting preeclampsia, and likely other complications as well.
Related Articles:
Riboflavin Deficiency Increases Risk of Preeclampsia Risk Factors for Preeclampsia Homocysteine May Lead to Pregnancy Complications and Birth Defects Linoleic Acid, Calcium Supplements Reduce Incidence of Preeclampsia in High-Risk Women Lower Your Nitric Oxide Levels to Stay Healthy
Riboflavin Deficiency Increases Risk of Preeclampsia
Risk Factors for Preeclampsia
Homocysteine May Lead to Pregnancy Complications and Birth Defects
Linoleic Acid, Calcium Supplements Reduce Incidence of Preeclampsia in High-Risk Women
Lower Your Nitric Oxide Levels to Stay Healthy