Calcium can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, especially if a person’s intake is low.[1][2] Low intake of calcium is somewhat common, even in the US.[3] Calcium may help by decreasing smooth muscle contractility and increasing vasodilation, thereby lowering blood pressure.[4]
Selenium may reduce preeclampsia risk in populations where deficiency is common, such as the UK. Conversely, intake of selenium in North America tends to be sufficient.[5] Selenium’s mechanism in preeclampsia is unknown, but it is likely related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.[6]
Supplementation with vitamin D has shown inconsistent benefits for reducing preeclampsia risk.[7] [2][8] In addition to its vital role in calcium absorption, vitamin D may assist in endothelial repair and angiogenesis.[7][2]
Depending on a person’s diet, a pregnancy-based multivitamin (commonly called a prenatal) may reduce the risk of preeclampsia, since it contains the above nutrients. These prenatals may also include vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all of which are beneficial in people who are deficient. However, there is a wide variation in the quantity and quality of these nutrients across commercially available prenatals.[1]