From the Guidelines
Pregnant women should aim to consume 15 mg of vitamin E daily through diet or prenatal vitamins, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Importance of Vitamin E in Pregnancy
Vitamin E is crucial for both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, functioning as an antioxidant to protect cell membranes from damage and support immune function and fetal development.
- Good dietary sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
- Most prenatal vitamins contain adequate vitamin E, but excessive supplementation (above 1,000 mg daily) should be avoided as it may increase bleeding risk.
Recommendations for Vitamin E Intake
- The recommended daily dose of vitamin E for pregnant women is 15 mg, as stated in the study 1.
- Women who have undergone bariatric surgery may be at risk of low vitamin E levels and should have their levels monitored during pregnancy if clinically indicated, according to the study 1.
- However, another study 1 suggests that supplemental vitamin E may not be recommended and could be associated with worse pregnancy outcomes, highlighting the need for careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
- Pregnant women should aim to meet their vitamin E needs through a balanced diet and a standard prenatal vitamin.
- Excessive supplementation should be avoided, and women should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new supplements during pregnancy.
- Women who have undergone bariatric surgery or have concerns about their vitamin E intake should discuss their individual needs with their healthcare provider.
From the Research
Vitamin E and Pregnancy
- Vitamin E supplementation may help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications involving oxidative stress, such as pre-eclampsia 2
- A study found that women supplemented with vitamin E in combination with other supplements compared with placebo were at decreased risk of having a placental abruption (RR 0.64,95% CI 0.44 to 0.93) 2
- However, supplementation with vitamin E was associated with an increased risk of self-reported abdominal pain (RR 1.66,95% CI 1.16 to 2.37) and term prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) (average RR 1.77,95% CI 1.37 to 2.28) 2
Vitamin E and Pre-eclampsia
- A prospective study found that low dietary intake of vitamin C was associated with a trend towards an increased incidence of severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP, but no clear correlation was found with vitamin E intake 3
- A systematic review found that combined vitamin C and E supplementation during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of preeclampsia, fetal or neonatal loss, small for gestational age infant, or preterm birth 4
- A meta-analysis found that combined vitamin C and E supplementation increases the risk of gestational hypertension in women at risk of preeclampsia and low birth weight in neonates 5
Supplementation with Vitamins C and E
- A systematic review and metaanalysis found that supplementation with vitamins C and E during pregnancy does not prevent preeclampsia, but may increase the risk of gestational hypertension and premature rupture of membranes 6
- Women supplemented with vitamins C and E were found to be at decreased risk of abruptio placentae, but no significant differences were found in the risk of other adverse maternal or fetal/perinatal outcomes 6