Calcium Supplementation and Blood Lead Levels in Pregnant Women
Author Information
Author(s): Ettinger Adrienne S., Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor, Téllez-Rojo Martha M., Mercado-García Adriana, Peterson Karen E., Schwartz Joel, Hu Howard, Hernández-Avila Mauricio
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Does calcium supplementation reduce maternal blood lead levels during pregnancy?
Conclusion
Calcium supplementation was associated with modest reductions in blood lead levels during pregnancy.
Supporting Evidence
- Calcium was associated with an average 11% reduction in blood lead level relative to placebo.
- The reduction was more evident in the second trimester (−14%) than in the third (−8%).
- Women who consumed ≥ 75% of calcium pills had a 24% reduction in blood lead levels.
- Women with baseline blood lead > 5 μg/dL experienced a 17% reduction.
- Use of lead-glazed ceramics was associated with higher blood lead levels.
Takeaway
Giving pregnant women calcium can help lower the amount of lead in their blood, which is good for both the mom and the baby.
Methodology
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 670 pregnant women assigned to calcium or placebo.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported dietary intake and compliance.
Limitations
The study was limited to women in Mexico City and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women from low- to moderate-income backgrounds in Mexico City.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI, −0.196 to −0.038
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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