A recent study published in “PLOS Global Public Health” found compelling evidence linking insufficient dietary intake and deficient iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy to a heightened risk of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia among Indian women. This cross-sectional observational study conducted by Priya Das et al. aimed to shed light on the connection between dietary habits, iron, and folic acid consumption during pregnancy and the likelihood of developing life-threatening hypertensive conditions among Indian women.

Based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21, as many as 1,90,797 women with a marital history (age group 15 to 49 years) who had a live birth in the last 5 years were considered. To find out the link between dietary and supplementary intake and eclampsia rates, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Approximately 3.6% of the women in the sample were diagnosed with either eclampsia or pre-eclampsia.

The likelihood of experiencing pre-eclampsia or eclampsia during pregnancy was found to be notably higher among those who did not maintain a sufficient diet and did not consume iron and folic acid supplements for at least ninety days compared to those who did. This observation held true even after adjusting for various factors including maternal health, lifestyle, socio-economic status, and demographic characteristics. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of quality antenatal care services and adequate intake of micronutrients as effective measures to mitigate the prevalence of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.