Pre-eclampsia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy. Preterm birth is often caused by high blood pressure. This systematic review (Cohrane database) found that calcium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, hypertension and pre-term birth in women at risk. Those with low baseline calcium intake may benefit most.
Liquorice (salted), more harmful than salt?
I was introduced to two very interesting cases regarding use of liquorice. They both had in common that glycyrritzin acid of liquorice caused dramatic changes in blood pressure. Lately, other detrimental effects have been linked to liquorice as well. When the individual response of glycyrrhizic acid is so different, no safe dose can be determined. The best thing is probably to totally avoid liquorice during pregnancy and in cardiovascular disease.