Association of dietary calcium with blood pressure and weight gain in pregnant women

Objective: To investigate the association of dietary calcium with blood pressure and weight gain in pregnant women. Design: This study used data collected from healthcare centres in Ardebil for 137 pregnant women aged 30–35 years. Dietary calcium intake was assessed using a single 24-hour food recall and Nutritionist IV software. Height and weight were measured after overnight fasting with all participants wearing light gowns. Blood pressure measurements were taken in the sitting position after a resting period of at least 5 min. Linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship of dietary calcium intake with weight gain and blood pressure. Results: Mean±SD systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 150.19±50.45 and 70.18±11.16 mmHg, respectively. Mean±SD calcium intake was 784.59±33.36 mg/day. There was a significant association between dietary calcium intake and diastolic blood pressure and weight gain in pregnant women (p≤0.05). However, the association between dietary calcium intake and systolic blood pressure and weight was not significant (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Dietary calcium intake can affect blood pressure and weight gain in pregnant women.