Omega-3 fatty acid supply in pregnancy for risk reduction of preterm and early preterm birth

Irene Cetin, Susan E Carlson, Christy Burden, Eduardo B DA Fonseca, Gian Carlo DI Renzo, Adamos Hadjipanayis, William S Harris, Kishore R Kumar, Sjurdur Frodi Olsen, Ms Silke Mader, Fionnuala M McAuliffe, Beverly Muhlhausler, Emily Oken, Liona C Poon, Lucilla Poston, Usha Ramakrishnan, Charles C Roehr, Charles Savona-Ventura, Cornelius M Smuts, Alexandros SotiriadisKuan-Pin Su, Rachel M Tribe, Gretchen Vannice, Berthold Koletzko*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview article (Academic Journal)peer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This clinical practice guideline on the supply of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in pregnant women for risk reduction of preterm birth (PTB) and early PTB was developed with support from several medical-scientific organizations, based on reviewing available strong evidence from randomized clinical trials and a formal consensus process. We conclude: Women of childbearing age should obtain a supply of at least 250 mg/d DHA plus EPA from diet or supplements, and in pregnancy an additional intake of ≥100-200 mg/d DHA. Pregnant women with a low DHA intake and/or low DHA blood levels have an increased risk of PTB and early PTB; they should receive a supply of about 600-1000 mg/day of DHA plus EPA, or DHA alone, which showed significant reduction of PTB and early PTB in randomized controlled trials. This additional supply should preferably begin in the second trimester of pregnancy (not later than about 20 weeks' gestation) and continue until about 37 weeks' gestation, or until childbirth if before 37 weeks' gestation. Identification of women with inadequate omega-3 supply is achievable by a set of standardized questions on intake. DHA measurement from blood is another option to identify women with low status, but further standardization of laboratory methods and appropriate cutoff values is needed. Information on how to achieve an appropriate intake of DHA or DHA + EPA for women of childbearing age and pregnant women should be provided to women and their partners.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101251
Number of pages11
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM
Volume6
Issue number2
Early online date7 Dec 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2024

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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