Impact of fruits and vegetable consumption on the risk of development of preeclampsia: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multisystem affectation that contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality along with important fetal complications. Since it has been observed that the consumption of fruits and vegetables has a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the consumption of these foods could also reduce the risk and development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Objective: To analyze the impact of fruit and vegetable consumption on the risk of development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Methodology: A systematic review has been carried out following the PRISMA methodology. The databases used were Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science. Articles published in the last five years, written in English or Spanish and with free access have been included. Methodological quality was assessed using the STROBE and MINCIR scales. Results: There have been selected nine articles to provide a response to the proposed objective. The percentage of pregnant women with a dietary pattern based on fruits and vegetables who develop preeclampsia is relatively low, ranging between 7 and 8.8%. Likewise, most of the selected studies show that the intake of fruits and vegetables has a protective effect on the development of preeclampsia and that this protective effect is directly proportional to the number of servings consumed of these foods. Conclusions: The literature available to analyze the impact that fruit and vegetable consumption has on the risk and development of preeclampsia is very limited. Therefore, more research on this topic is urged to provide more robust results.