Emerging research indicates that pregnant women with elevated levels of key vitamins and minerals—such as B12, copper, and manganese—may experience a reduced risk of high blood pressure later in life. The study’s findings, announced in the journal Hypertension, will also be shared at the American Heart Association’s upcoming conference focused on Epidemiology and Prevention/Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health, which takes place in New Orleans.
The metals manganese, selenium, magnesium, and copper possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that have been associated with cardiovascular protection. Past studies have suggested a link between increased manganese levels and a decreased likelihood of developing preeclampsia, or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. The recent investigation sought to determine if similar protective effects extend to the development of hypertension long after pregnancy.
Dr. Mingyu Zhang, the study’s primary investigator, emphasized the continuous exposure people have to heavy metals and trace elements, noting their potential impact on cardiovascular health, especially hypertension. Zhang, an epidemiologist and medical instructor affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, led the analysis of data drawn from Project Viva, a long-term study based in eastern Massachusetts that began in 1999.
The research team examined early pregnancy blood samples from 493 women collected between 1999 and 2002. This analysis included both nonessential metals like arsenic and lead and essential metals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. In addition, folate and vitamin B12 levels were measured.
Around two decades later, from 2017 to 2021, these women’s blood pressure levels were reassessed at an average age of 51. High blood pressure was defined as readings of 130/80 millimeters of mercury or higher, or current use of medication for blood pressure control, according to guidelines from both the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
The study discovered that women with a doubling of copper levels during pregnancy exhibited a 25% reduction in the risk of midlife hypertension. Increased manganese levels correlated with a 20% decreased risk. Furthermore, higher combined levels of copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc during pregnancy correlated with a significantly reduced risk of high blood pressure later on. No association was found between nonessential metals and blood pressure risk.
Additionally, elevated levels of vitamin B12 during pregnancy were linked to a lower midlife risk for high blood pressure. Women with doubled B12 levels had systolic measurements nearly 3.64 mmHg lower and diastolic readings 2.52 mmHg lower on average, compared to peers with lower B12 levels.
The researchers cautioned against interpreting these findings as definitive recommendations due to a lack of data on whether the vitamins and minerals were derived from foods or supplements. However, Dr. Zhang highlighted the potential benefits of optimizing key mineral and vitamin levels, particularly copper, manganese, and B12, during pregnancy to mitigate hypertension risks later in life.
Further studies, including clinical trials, are necessary to establish the optimal dietary intake of these nutrients. The ultimate aim is to identify women at increased risk for developing hypertension down the line and provide early interventions through diet or supplements during pregnancy.
