Calcium supplementation in mothers with low
calcium intake has been of interest recently because of its association with optimal fetal growth and improved
pre-eclampsia-related outcomes. While the effects of
calcium supplementation have demonstrated benefits in prolonging gestation and subsequently improving
birthweight, no specific studies have identified the longitudinal effects of supplementation on fetal growth in utero. Data were analysed in the context of the World Health Organization trial of
calcium supplementation in
calcium-deficient women. Five hundred and ten healthy, primiparous pregnant Argentinean women were randomised (at <20 weeks gestation) to either placebo (n = 230) or
calcium supplements (1500 mg
calcium/day in 3 divided doses; n = 231). Growth parameters in utero were assessed with serial ultrasound scans.
Birthweight, length, head, abdominal and thigh circumferences were recorded at delivery. No differences were found in fetal biometric measurements recorded at 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 weeks gestation between fetuses of women who were supplemented with
calcium and those who were not. Similarly, neonatal characteristics and anthropometric measurements recorded at delivery were comparable in both groups. We conclude that
calcium supplementation of 1500 mg
calcium/day in pregnant women with low
calcium intake does not appear to impact on fetal somatic or skeletal growth.