Probiotic capsules ‘escalate risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy’
Researchers warn pregnant women shouldn’t take probiotics unless medically indicated
Probiotic supplements are associated with almost double the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, an obstetric physician warns.
Professor Leonie Callaway, from the University of Queensland, says a Cochrane review found an 85% increased relative risk of developing pre-eclampsia among pregnant women who consumed probiotics versus placebo across four studies in high-income countries.
Pooled data showed that among the 472 pregnant women who had taken high-dose probiotics, 31 developed pre-eclampsia (6.5% of the group), compared with 17 of 433 in the placebo arm (3.5%).
“There is certainly no evidence probiotics are useful, and there is some significant concern they may be harmful,” she told Australian Doctor.
