Vitamin C and E Supplementation Does Not Reduce the Risk of Superimposed PE in Pregnancy

Background. Oxidative stress could play a role in the development of preeclampsia. There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin C and E supplements can reduce the risk of the disorder. We hypothesized its beneficial role in a group of pregnant women with essential hypertension. Methods. In this randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 50 pregnant women with essential hypertension. We assigned the women 1000 mg vitamin C and 400 IU natural vitamin E (RRR alpha tocopherol; n = 25), daily from the second trimester of pregnancy until delivery or no supplementation (n = 25). Our primary endpoint was development of superimposed preeclampsia, and main secondary endpoints were aggravation of hypertension, need for admission, need to increase antihypertensive drugs, and small size for gestational age (