Chocolate May Lower Risk of Preeclampsia

NEW HAVEN, Conn.—A recent study published in Epidemiology found consuming chocolate during pregnancy may lower the risk of preeclampsia (2008;19(3):459-64). The cohort study was of 2291 pregnant who delivered a singleton live birth between September 1996 to January 2000. Chocolate consumption was measured by self-report in the first and third trimesters. Preeclampsia developed in 3.7 percent (n=63) of 1,681 women. Cord serum theobromine concentrations were negatively associated with preeclampsia; self-reported chocolate consumption estimates were also inversely associated with preeclampsia. Women consuming five or more servings per week had decreased risk compared with women consuming under one serving of chocolate weekly. Adjusted odd ratios with consumption in the first three months of pregnancy were 0.81 and 0.60 in the last three months.