Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Pregnancy

Pregnant women must consume enough omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy as they are essential building blocks for the fetal brain and retina. Omega-3s may also influence gestation length and help prevent perinatal depression.

A recent study led by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that many pregnant women were not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet or through supplementation. They analyzed data from 10,800 pregnant women on fish consumption and 12,646 on supplement intake from cohorts across the U.S.

Here are the study findings:

• 25% of participants reported rarely or never eating fish during pregnancy
• 16% took omega-3 supplements
• Supplement use was less common among those who consumed less fish, increasing their risk of insufficient omega-3 intake.
• Older participants with higher income and education consumed more fish, but fish consumption was higher among those with racial/ethnic identities other than non-Hispanic White.
• Supplement use was more common among older, higher-educated, higher-income, non-Hispanic White, or Asian participants.
• Supplement use was less common among those at higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes due to tobacco/nicotine use or higher BMI (Body Mass Index).

“Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for supporting positive health outcomes. Getting enough of these nutrients during pregnancy is vital for preventing preterm birth and promoting optimal child health and neurodevelopment,” said the study’s lead author Emily Oken, Harvard Medical School professor and chair of the Department of Population Medicine at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.

The study concluded that the benefits of consuming low-mercury fish, or omega-3 supplements, outweigh any potential risks.

See our full range of Omega-3 supplements here.

Source:

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. “Study results show 25% of pregnant people are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids from their diet or dietary supplements.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 March 2024.