Preeclampsia (usually written as pre-eclampsia outside of the U.S.) is a syndrome in which a pregnant woman develops both hypertension (high blood pressure) and elevated protein levels in the urine. It typical occurs after 20 weeks of gestation, although it can occur earlier, and may occur as late as 6 weeks after birth. Estimates put the occurrence of preeclampsia at 5% to 8% of all births, though some experts believe the true rate maybe be much higher, but goes unnoticed. It is a serious condition that may result in the death of either the mother or the child. Globally, it is estimated that preeclampsia kills 76,000 mothers and 500,000 fetuses and infants annually, and sickens tens-of-thousands more.
A new study involving Ecuadorian women has found that supplementing with CoEnzyme Q10 may significantly reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 235 women with "increased risk" of developing preeclampsia were given either 200mg of CoEnzyme Q10 or a placebo daily. Supplementation began at the 20th week of pregnancy and continued until delivery. Of the women given the placebo, 30 developed preeclampsia, a rate of 25.6% for the group. Only 17 women, 14.4% of the women in the CoEnzyme Q10 group developed preeclampsia. That is a very significant, 44% reduction in relative risk. The researchers concluded that "supplementation with [CoEnzyme Q10] reduces the risk of developing pre-eclampsia in women at risk for the condition." The researchers theorize that the benefit likely comes from CoEnzyme Q10's activity in "mitochondrial complexes I and III" and its activity as an antioxidant.
CoEnzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that research indicates may provide significant health benefits. While much of the initial research on CoEnzyme Q10 focused on its potential benefits to the cardiovascular system and Parkinson's disease, more recent research has found a multitude of benefits, including improved athletic performance, reduced fatigue, and improved cholesterol profiles.
Learn more about CoEnzyme Q10 at WholeHealth.com.
Teran, E., I. Hernandez, et al. (2009). "Coenzyme Q10 supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia." Int J Gynaecol Obstet 105(1): 43-5.
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