SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DE CÁLCIO NA PREVENÇÃO DA PRÉ-ECLÂMPSIA: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DE EVIDÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS E IMPACTOS NA SAÚDE MATERNA

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of calcium supplementation in preventing pre-eclampsia and its complications in pregnant women, focusing on vulnerable populations and contexts with low dietary calcium intake. An integrative literature review was conducted, covering articles published between 2014 and 2024 in databases such as PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS), and SciELO. The search strategy used descriptors like "Calcium Supplementation," "Pre-Eclampsia," "Maternal Health," and "Maternal Mortality," combined with Boolean operators to enhance search precision. After screening, 10 studies were included and assessed for methodology, data quality, and relevance to the study's objectives.The results indicate that calcium supplementation effectively reduces the incidence of pre-eclampsia and hypertensive complications, particularly in women with low calcium intake. Both high and low doses were considered cost-effective, significantly improving maternal and perinatal outcomes, including reduced maternal mortality. Calcium supplementation, in addition to reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia, has been shown to be an effective and accessible intervention, with the potential for inclusion in prenatal care protocols, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Although the reviewed studies demonstrate consistent benefits, challenges in implementing supplementation programs were identified, such as cultural barriers, lack of knowledge, and adherence difficulties. It is concluded that calcium supplementation should be a priority in public health policies for maternal health, with educational efforts to overcome adherence barriers and ensure equitable access to this preventive intervention. Further research is needed to understand variations in effectiveness across different populations and socioeconomic contexts.