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Sunday, April 17, 2011

Chocolate

Chocolate for Preeclampsia

Chocolate may be correlated with a reduced risk for preeclampsia, a new study suggests.

Researchers from across the country explained that preeclampsia is a major pregnancy complication with cardiovascular manifestations. Preeclampsia is characterized by a sharp rise in blood pressure during the third trimester of pregnancy. High blood pressure may be accompanied by edema (swelling) and kidney problems, as evidenced by protein in the urine.

Although preeclampsia is relatively common, occurring in about five percent of all pregnancies and more frequently in first pregnancies, it can be a sign of serious problems. In some cases, untreated preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening situation for both mother and baby. Recent studies suggest that chocolate consumption may benefit cardiovascular health.

The study investigated the association of chocolate consumption with the risk of preeclampsia in a prospective cohort study of 2,291 pregnant women who had a baby between September 1996 and January 2000. Chocolate consumption was measured by self report in the first and third trimesters and by umbilical cord serum concentrations of theobromine, the major methylxanthine component of chocolate. Preeclampsia was assessed by detailed medical record review for 1,943 of the women.

The study found that preeclampsia developed in 3.7 percent (63 women) of 1,681 women. Cord serum theobromine concentrations were negatively associated with preeclampsia. Self-reported chocolate consumption estimates also were inversely associated with preeclampsia.

More specifically, compared with women consuming less than one serving of chocolate weekly, women consuming five plus servings per week had decreased risk.

The authors concluded that chocolate consumption during pregnancy may lower the risk of preeclampsia. However, the authors suggested that reverse causality may also contribute to these findings.

References

1.Triche EW, Grosso LM, Belanger K, et al. Chocolate Consumption in Pregnancy and Reduced Likelihood of Preeclampsia. Epidemiology. 2008 May;19(3):459-464. View Abstract.

2.Natural Standard Research Collaboration: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/. Copyright © 2008.

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