Probiotic supplementation in pregnancy seems to have a number of benefits and the list seems to be growing.
A recent study researched the relationship between the intake of probiotics in food and the risk of pre-eclampsia in women who were pregnant for the first time. This large observational study found there was a protective association between the intake of probiotics and pre-eclampsia, with a 20% reduction in risk with daily probiotic intake.
Pre-eclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies and occurs when a mother’s blood pressure rises to the hypertensive range, and urinary secretion of protein is too high. Its cause is unknown, but may be related to underlying inflammation and abnormal function of the linings of blood vessels.
The authors of the study suggest that strains of probiotics might target and modify the type of inflammation underlying pre-eclampsia. Randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm this theory and are yet to be conducted in this area.
References available upon request