Can supplements reduce inflammation for pregnant women with gestational diabetes?

This review looked at whether antioxidant supplements can reduce inflammation for women with diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes; GDM). It found that supplements including omega-3, vitamin D, and magnesium reduced oxidation in the body for these women.

During late pregnancy, the body becomes less sensitive to the hormone insulin. Insulin controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. 2% to 10% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes (GDM), in which blood glucose is too high. GDM can increase pregnancy complications, including a large birth weight or Cesarean section. Women who have GDM are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

High blood sugar can increase harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. ROS are created when the body converts excess glucose into other forms for storage. These ROS can damage substances within the body. An excess of ROS can cause inflammation. During pregnancy, inflammation can worsen GDM and may affect the developing baby.

Antioxidants can neutralize ROS and prevent inflammation. These helpful compounds include vitamin C, inositol, and omega-3 fatty acids. The body creates its own antioxidants and also obtains them through food. Antioxidant supplements may benefit people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is not clear whether antioxidants can benefit women with GDM.

This review included 19 studies of women with GDM. Data were combined from 16 studies of 1173 women with GDM. Half of the women in each study were assigned to take antioxidant(s), while the others took a placebo or nothing. The supplements studied included vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, calcium, and soy. All of the studies followed patients for at least six weeks.

Probiotics significantly improved total antioxidant capacity (TAC). TAC refers to the body’s ability to neutralize ROS and prevent inflammation. Omega-3 with vitamin E also significantly improved TAC.

Malondialdehyde (MDA) forms when ROS interact with delicate fatty acids. MDA levels are an estimate of how well the body is managing ROS. MDA levels were significantly improved by vitamin D, omega-3, magnesium with zinc and calcium, and probiotics.

This review found that antioxidant supplements can improve the body’s response to ROS for pregnant women with GDM.

This review did not investigate whether antioxidant supplements can improve pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth or preeclampsia.

Talk to your doctor about your diet and supplements during pregnancy. Ask your doctor whether vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and/or probiotics could benefit you.