Journal
CURRENT OPINION IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
Volume 24, Issue 2, Pages 72-77Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0b013e328350fd34
Keywords
docosahexaenoic acid; eicosapentaenoic acid; pregnancy
Categories
Funding
- National Institutes of Health
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Purpose of review We conducted this review to evaluate the evidence for maternal supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy for the prevention or treatment of common complications of pregnancy including preterm birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, as well as perinatal depression. We also evaluated the evidence supporting maternal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to optimize infant neurocognitive development and for primary prevention of allergic diseases in childhood. Recent findings Omega-3 fatty acids through diet or dietary supplementation may reduce the risk for early preterm birth. Preliminary findings from small randomized controlled trials suggest that maternal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk for allergic disease in childhood, but this observation requires confirmation by large appropriately powered randomized controlled trials. More research is needed before routine maternal supplementation for this indication can be recommended. Summary Although it is biologically plausible that maternal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation might prevent a number of pregnancy complications and optimize child health and development, indications for supplementation other than prevention of preterm births are currently investigational.
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