Pregnant women with a low milk intake have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia

Objective: Several studies have suggested a relation between calcium intake and preeclampsia. In this study, we test the hypothesis that a low calcium intake by milk products increases the risk of developing preeclampsia in The Netherlands, a country where milk consumption is assumed to be high. Study design: We conducted a case-control study of 163 women with preeclampsia during 1991-1996. Controls were matched for age and delivery date. Data from cases and controls were obtained by questionnaire. Results: The mean milk consumption per day was higher in the control group (3.0±0.1 units per day) than in the preeclampsia group (2.4±0.1 units per day, P<0.01). There was no difference in calcium intake by tablets: eight women (9.4%) with preeclampsia and seven controls (9.3%) used calcium tablets. Conclusions: This study shows an increased risk of developing preeclampsia associated with lower milk intake.