Table 7 Impact of anti-oxidant supplementation on stillbirth and perinatal mortality

Rumbold et al. 2008 [77]

UK, Australia, South Africa.

Meta-analysis (Cochrane). 4 RCTs included.

Compared impact of supplementation with any anti-oxidants vs. control/placebo.

Fetal death rate (miscarriage+SB): RR = 1.32 (95% CI: 0.92–1.90) [NS]

[66/2569 vs. 50/2575 in intervention vs. control groups, respectively.]

Rumbold et al. 2005 [78]

UK, South Africa

Meta-analysis (Cochrane). 3 RCTs included

Compared impact of supplementation with Vitamin C vs. control/placebo.

SBR: RR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.41–1.87) [NS]

[9/268 vs. 11/271 in intervention vs. control groups, respectively.]

Rumbold et al. 2005 [79]

UK, South Africa

Meta-analysis (Cochrane). 2 RCTs included.

Compared impact of supplementation with Vitamin E vs. control/placebo.

SBR: RR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.35–1.71)

[8/168 vs. 11/171 in intervention vs. control groups, respectively.]

Intervention studies

Roberts et al. 2008 [80]

USA.

RCT. N = 9969 low-risk nulliparous women 9–16 weeks gestation at enrolment.

Compared impact of supplementation with Vitamin C (1000 mg/day) plus Vitamin E (400 IU/day) vs. placebo.

Severe hypertension or pregnancy-related hypertension with at least one of the following: SGA, hepatic or renal dysfunction, eclampsia, stillbirth, or neonatal death before discharge: 6.1% vs. 5.8% in antioxidant vs. placebo groups, respectively/

Pre-eclampsia (7.2% vs. 6.7% in antioxidant vs. placebo groups, respectively).