Benefícios da suplementação de cálcio em gestações de alto risco devido a doenças hipertensivas

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy stand out as one of the main causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in Brazil and worldwide. Among these, preeclampsia is particularly notable for its high prevalence and severity, requiring effective prevention strategies. In this context, calcium supplementation has been widely studied due to its vasodilatory effect, thereby contributing to blood pressure regulation. This study, conducted through a narrative literature review, aimed to analyze the benefits of calcium supplementation in pregnant women, especially those susceptible to hypertensive disorders. The results indicate that adequate calcium supplementation from the 12th week of gestation significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia, proving, inclusive, to be an effective strategy in populations with low dietary calcium intake. Furthermore, it is a feasible, safe, and easily implementable strategy, which is already being used as a public health measure against the high incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia in Brazil, applied universally to all pregnant women. Scientific evidence reinforces the importance of supplementation as a preventive and effective measure with positive impacts on both maternal and fetal health.