In a nutshell
This review looked at whether dietary supplements can prevent gestational diabetes. It found that some supplements, including vitamin D and myo-inositol, could reduce diabetes for pregnant women.
Some background
1 in 5 pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes (GD). GD involves the body not responding well to the hormone insulin, which controls glucose (sugar) in the blood. Pregnancies with GD are more likely to have preeclampsia, a condition in which the placenta develops abnormally. Women with GD are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
When there is more glucose in the blood due to GD, it can affect the developing baby. High blood glucose increases the risk the baby will have birth defects or weigh more than usual at birth.
There are treatments for GD, including changes in diet and exercise, medications, or injections of insulin. However, it is not clear whether supplements can reduce or improve GD.
Methods & findings
This analysis combined data from 53 studies including 9443 pregnant women overall. In each study, the patients were randomly assigned to take a supplement or a placebo. The supplements studied included iron, magnesium, zinc, myo-inositol, and vitamin D. 15 of the studies gave more than one supplement at the same time.
Vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of developing GD by 36%. Myo-inositol reduced GD by 66%. Magnesium, zinc, and probiotics each significantly reduced blood glucose after not eating. Some combinations, such as vitamin D and omega-3 together, improved blood sugar more than either supplement alone.
The amount of cholesterol and blood lipids can increase during pregnancy. LDL cholesterol, sometimes called “bad" cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Vitamin D supplements significantly reduced LDL cholesterol during pregnancy by 13.56 mg/dL.
4 studies involving myo-inositol showed that this supplement reduced the risk of GD by 66%.
Some of the participants who took probiotic yogurt experienced gastrointestinal discomfort. The other supplements did not cause side effects.
The bottom line
This review found that supplements including vitamin D, magnesium and probiotics could improve blood glucose levels in pregnant women.
The fine print
Most of the studies in this review were in Iran and Italy. Diet and lifestyle can impact the effect of supplements, so there may be different results in other areas.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about whether vitamins or supplements can support your overall health during pregnancy.
Published By :
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Date :
Mar 21, 2021
