Oxidative stress, dietary supplementation and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: a review

Abstract

Objective. To provide an understanding of the effects of oxidative stress and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the significance of dietary supplementation in addressing the related adverse outcomes and complications. Methodology. The review methodology was designed to provide a flexible but a comprehensive overview of pregnancy in terms of oxidative stress, hypertensive disorders and dietary supplementation through identification of applicable and relevant literature that was based on an inclusion and exclusion criteria that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework for systematic reviews. Findings. Hypertensive disorders are a primary risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, accounting for 14 percent of maternal mortality and occurring in up to 10 percent of all pregnancies. The mechanisms leading to oxidative stress during pregnancy can cause the excessive generation of highly reactive and unstable reactive oxygen species radicals, which can directly disrupt gestational processes such as oocyte maturation, luteolysis, and embryo implantation. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species can directly interfere with the placental membrane, which can disrupt the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and fetus, leading to poor embryo development and pregnancy complications. There is a direct association between imbalanced serum nutrient levels and adverse health outcomes during pregnancy, such as inflammation and dyslipidemia. Conclusion. The adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with genetic and biological risk factors, such as oxidative stress and hypertensive disorders, are preventable and manageable through proper hygienic conditions, appropriate lifestyle choices, and pharmacological and dietary interventions.