Limited evidence for calcium supplementation in preeclampsia prevention: a meta-analysis and systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #calcium #confidence-intervals #dietary-supplements #female

Limited evidence for calcium supplementation in preeclampsia prevention: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Tang et al., 2015 | Hypertens Pregnancy | Meta Analysis

Citation

Tang Reuben, Tang Ing Ching, ... Welsh Alec. Limited evidence for calcium supplementation in preeclampsia prevention: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Hypertens Pregnancy. 2015-May;34(2):181-203. doi:10.3109/10641955.2014.988353

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This article synthesises evidence for calcium supplementation in preeclampsia prevention. METHODS: Major databases and trial registries were searched, and comparisons were made against other meta-analyses. RESULTS: Calcium supplementation reduced the overall risk of preeclampsia in 10 trials (n = 24 787; risk ratio (RR) 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.81). Its effect was larger in two subgroups: low-baseline calcium intake (RR 0.42 [0.23-0.76]) and increased risk of developing hypertensive disorders (RR 0.36 [0.10-0.98]). This effect was not significant amongst larger studies (RR 0.93 [0.83-1.04]). Funnel plotting suggested possible publication bias. CONCLUSION: Some evidence for calcium supplementation exists, but its utility is limited by the possibility of publication bias and a lack of large trials.

Key Findings

Calcium supplementation reduced the overall risk of preeclampsia in 10 trials (n = 24 787; risk ratio (RR) 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.81). Its effect was larger in two subgroups: low-baseline calcium intake (RR 0.42 [0.23-0.76]) and increased risk of developing hypertensive disorders (RR 0.36 [0.10-0.98]). This effect was not significant amongst larger studies (RR 0.93 [0.83-1.04]). Funnel plotting suggested possible publication bias.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 24
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pre-Eclampsia
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: calcium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09