Therapeutic Effects of Oat-based Porridge on Fetomaternal Outcomes Among Hypocalcemic Antenatal Women

Pregnant women diagnosed with hypocalcemia are enrolled and allocated into two primary study groups: a control group (T0) receiving standard clinical care (calcium and Vitamin D supplementation as prescribed by attending physicians) and an interventional group(Ta) receiving an optimized oat-based composite porridge formulation in combination with standard supplementation.

The composite oat-based porridge formulations (composed of oats, chickpeas, almonds, chia seeds, and sorghum) are designed to improve maternal mineral adequacy. Maternal blood samples are drawn at baseline (8th week of gestation) and follow-up (33rd week of gestation) to measure changes in serum calcium (mg/dL) and Vitamin D (ng/mL) concentrations, as well as to assess related fetomaternal health parameters from baseline to delivery.

Inclusion criteria

• Already taking vitamin D and calcium supplements as prescribed by the doctor.
• Pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester.
• Women between 20 to 40 years of age will be included.
• Women with mild to moderate hypocalcemia (serum calcium less than 8-8.6 mg/dl) and 25(OH)D less than 30ng/ml will be entered to study.

Exclusion criteria

• Women having twin pregnancy.
• Gestational diabetes or diabetes before pregnancy.
• Chronic hypertension.
• Fetal anomaly, oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, parathyroid disorders, hepatic or renal diseases, malnutrition.
• Use of anti-convulsive and immunosuppressive drugs.