Ergothioneine and pre-eclampsia study
This study is investigating pre-eclampsia, a condition in pregnancy affecting blood pressure, which can impact both mother and baby. We believe diet plays an important role in whether or not someone develops pre-eclampsia. This research will look at whether the quality of a pregnant woman's diet and her intake of a natural nutrient called ergothioneine (found in foods like mushrooms) are different in women who have pre-eclampsia compared to those who don't. We'll also check how simple and helpful two online tools are for pregnant women to record what they eat. We hope this research will help us understand more about how diet relates to pre-eclampsia and improve dietary advice for future pregnancies.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can happen during pregnancy where women develop high blood pressure and other problems. These issues can affect both the mother and her baby. We believe that what a woman eats during pregnancy might play a part in whether she develops pre-eclampsia or not.
This study wants to find out more about this link. We're interested in whether there are differences in the overall quality of food choices and in the amount of a natural nutrient called ergothioneine, which is found in foods like mushrooms, between pregnant women who have pre-eclampsia and those who don't. Understanding these differences could help us learn more about the condition.
Another part of our study involves testing new ways to gather information about diet. We want to see how easy and helpful two online tools are for pregnant women to use when reporting what they eat. The findings from this research could help us better understand the connection between diet and pre-eclampsia, and potentially lead to better healthy eating advice for women who are pregnant.
Key takeaways
- The study explores the link between diet (including a nutrient called ergothioneine) and pre-eclampsia.
- It involves completing one online survey about your diet and health.
- You must be pregnant, aged 18+, live in Liverpool, and attend Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
- Participation takes about 20-25 minutes in total.
- You'll receive a £10 voucher and a healthy eating leaflet for taking part.
- Your information will be kept private and anonymous.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are pregnant and aged 18 or over. You need to be living in the Liverpool area and be a patient at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. We are looking for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, as well as pregnant women who do not have pre-eclampsia.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you are a woman with pre-eclampsia, you cannot take part if you are not a patient at Liverpool Women's Hospital or if you cannot understand and complete the study in English.
If you are a woman without pre-eclampsia, you cannot take part if you are not a patient at Liverpool Women's Hospital, cannot complete the study in English, or if you have certain health conditions that put you at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia. These include conditions like long-term high blood pressure, kidney disease, or certain autoimmune diseases. Also, if you have had a pregnancy in the past where your baby was very small, or you had high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, you might not be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you pregnant and 18 years or older?
- Do you live in the Liverpool area?
- Are you a patient at Liverpool Women’s Hospital?
- Can you understand and complete the study in English?
- If you *don't* have pre-eclampsia: Do you have a history of conditions like chronic high blood pressure, kidney disease, or previous pregnancy complications like a very small baby or pre-eclampsia yourself?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will first need to agree to participate online using a secure website. Once you've agreed, you'll be asked to complete a short online survey. This survey will ask you some basic information about yourself, such as your age, where you live, your job, and your food preferences. It will also ask whether you have pre-eclampsia and how many weeks pregnant you are.
You'll then be asked questions about what you typically eat, including how often you eat certain foods over the last month, and more specific details about what you ate in the last 24 hours. Finally, you'll be asked to share your thoughts on how easy or difficult these online tools were to use.
Everything will be done online and should take about 20-25 minutes in total to complete. There are no other visits, appointments, or medications involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Liverpool Women's HospitalApproximateLiverpool, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can happen in pregnancy, causing high blood pressure and sometimes affecting organs like the kidneys or liver. It needs to be monitored by doctors.
What is ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is a natural nutrient found in certain foods, like mushrooms. This study is looking at whether the amount of this nutrient in a pregnant woman's diet is linked to pre-eclampsia.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all the information you provide will be collected anonymously, meaning your name won't be linked to your answers, and it will be kept strictly private.
Do I have to live in Liverpool to join?
Yes, to be eligible for this study, you need to live in the Liverpool region and be a patient at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.
How to find out more
Aslihan Özdemir
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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