Effect of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in healthy mothers on DHA and EPA profiles in maternal and umbilical blood: a randomized controlled trial

Association of serum docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid levels with dietary intakes and supplement use during pregnancy: a prospective observational study

This study aimed to determine the association of serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels with dietary intakes and supplement use during pregnancy. This prospective observational study was conducted at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Participants in their second and third trimesters were given a self-administered questionnaire assessing the frequency of DHA and EPA supplement use in the past month and a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Non-fasting serum DHA and EPA levels were analysed using gas chromatography. Differences in biomarkers by frequency of supplement use were determined using multiple comparison analyses, and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine biomarkers and DHA and EPA intakes by food group. Of the 116 participants, 11 (9⋅5 %) in the second trimester and 18 (15⋅5 %) in the third trimester regularly used supplements (≥5 times per week). Regular users had higher serum DHA and EPA levels than never users in the second and third trimesters. Dietary DHA and EPA intake from fish and shellfish was positively correlated with serum DHA and EPA in the second and third trimesters. Supplement use ≥5 times per week and fish and shellfish intake were associated with high serum DHA and EPA levels.

Supplementation of Omega 3 during Pregnancy and the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal death and long-term consequences for the newborn. This review aims to update the evidence about the potential benefit of pharmacological supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy on the incidence of PTB. The Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Central databases were searched until 28 June 2020 for RCTs in which omega 3 supplementation was used versus placebo to reduce PTB risk. Data from 37 trials were analyzed. We found an 11% reduction in PTB risk (RR(risk ratios), 0.89; 95% CI (confidence intervals), 0.82 to 0.97) in trials using omega 3 supplements versus placebo. Regarding early PTB (ePTB), there was a 27% reduction in the risk of ePTB (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.92). However, after sensitivity analyses, there were no significant differences in PTB and ePTB risk (PTB RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.01, ePTB RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.09). We conclude that omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of PTB and ePTB. More studies are required to determine the effect of omega 3 supplementations during pregnancy and the risk of detrimental fetal outcomes.