Excess iron could be a main driver of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
Excess iron can be a factor in the development of preeclampsia, but is often overlooked.
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“In women with this dangerous complication during pregnancy, the iron saturation percentage of transferrin consistently is about double that of healthy pregnant women.
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Iron is a known prooxidant. Females with increased transferrin saturation and decreased unsaturated iron-binding capacity are at increased risk for preeclampsia due to oxidative stress, which decreases serum antioxidant that would normally protect against redox-active iron.” — Dr. Eugene D. Weinberg
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Now, one thing Dr. Weinberg omits is the antioxidant effect of the copper protein Ceruloplasmin in helping manage iron. Its levels rise during times of inflammation and inf3ction...and excess iron.
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“Our results specifically indicated that placental levels of ceruloplasmin are increased in pregnancies with severe PE.
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The disorder is characterized by increased placental expression of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and damage to villous architecture....Ferroxidatic activity of ceruloplasmin is known to convert toxic ferrous iron to less toxic ferric iron, which reduces oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA.” (Guller et al.)
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Copper and real Vitamin A are critical to Ceruloplasmin production. But malnutrition (especially copper and Vitamin A) and the effects of excess iron could outpace its curative abilities.
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“In women with preeclampsia, there are abnormally high levels of serotonin, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation.” — Dr Ray Peat
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High serotonin, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation are all markers of deficiency.
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Preeclampsia is more complex, and not always preventable. But there are things we can do to put our best foot forward.
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Where to go from here?
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〰️Prevention is always easier than treatment. Spending adequate time prepping for conception is invaluable.
〰️Incorporate copper and Vitamin A-rich foods into the diet. See my other posts on these.
〰️Rethink supplements that destroy Ceruloplasmin, like Hormone-D, Ascorbic Acid, Zinc, Calcium, Iron, Prenatals, etc. See my other posts on these.
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TTC? Stay tuned for updates on my upcoming course. ❤️
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Guller, S. Buhimschi, C.S. Ma, Y.Y. Huang, S.J. Yang, L. Kuczynski, E. Zambrano, E. Lockwood, C.J. Buhimschi, I.A. (2008). Placental expression of ceruloplasmin in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2682720/.
Peat, R. Eclampsia in the Real Organism: A Paradigm of General Distress Applicable in Infants, Adults, Etc. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/aging/eclampsia.shtml.
Peat, R. (1997). From PMS to Menopause. Eugene, OR.
Weinberg, E.D. (2004). Exposing the Hidden Dangers of Iron. Nashville, TN: Cumberland House Publishing, Inc.
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