Supplements during pregnancy: DHA protects the newborn from iron deficiency and the risk of anemia

Supplementation with omega-3 during pregnancy helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia in newborns, a condition dangerous for their development. According to a new study, DHA can influence certain biochemical mechanisms altered in cases of perinatal anemia, facilitating iron transport through the placenta and absorption by the fetus, with a beneficial and lasting impact on neonatal growth.

This is reported by a study published in the journal Journal of Functional Foods, conducted by researchers from the University of Granada (Spain) and King’s College London (United Kingdom).

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency is one of the most severe and important nutritional deficiencies, particularly due to the anemia it can cause. During pregnancy, iron deficiency is associated with a higher likelihood of complications for both mother and child, including increased risk of hemorrhage, sepsis, maternal and perinatal mortality, and low birth weight. According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy affects 40-50% of predisposed women and their babies. Several studies have shown that women who consume little fish and seafood and use large amounts of vegetable oils, rich in omega-6, are at risk of omega-3 deficiency. Both iron and omega-3s are essential nutrients for normal fetal development, transferred from mother to fetus. 

As is known, DHA plays an important role in the growth and function of neurons, modulating the physical properties of biological membranes and nerve signal transmission. Iron enables the proper functioning of numerous enzymes involved in cell division, neurotransmitter formation, and cognitive function. Iron deficiency in early life therefore compromises cognitive development, motor development, and language development. Iron deficiency in children is associated with lower DHA levels in blood cells. In some animal studies, this condition during pregnancy and breastfeeding causes changes in the fatty acid composition of brain, liver, and blood cells in newborns. Iron and DHA are thus two essential nutrients during pregnancy and neonatal development, and these two molecules can influence each other, but the interactions have been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a milk-based beverage containing omega-3 in the last trimester on iron metabolism at the placental level.

DHA Facilitates Iron Metabolism

The study, published recently, was the first to establish a link between maternal DHA supplementation and improved iron metabolism in the fetus. To understand the beneficial effects of DHA on iron absorption and placental transfer, researchers examined factors and interactions that modify the formation of nutrient transport system proteins, maintaining proper iron metabolism. The results demonstrated a beneficial effect of maternal DHA supplementation on iron metabolism through the trophoblast, the highly vascularized placental tissue that invades the uterine wall and allows nutrient circulation between fetus and mother. In particular, DHA appears to contribute to increased expression of some genes regulating iron transport through the placenta. Omega-3 DHA might also improve iron stores before birth and help prevent future postnatal deficiencies that could cause damage to the child’s cognitive development.

Study Details

To reach these conclusions, scientists from the University of Granada and London involved 110 pregnant women, from the 28th week of gestation until birth. The women were randomly divided into two groups: one group received 400 ml per day (in two doses of 200 ml) of milk enriched with tuna oil, containing 26.5% DHA and 6.5% EPA. The control group received 400 ml per day of a beverage without omega-3. Each woman’s diet was assessed using specific food questionnaires.

Fish Oil Supplements Promote Neonatal Development

According to the researchers who conducted the study, these results suggest that the change in fatty acid profile, possible thanks to maternal omega-3 supplementation, influences and improves those biochemical mechanisms altered in perinatal anemia, with a beneficial and lasting impact on the baby’s development. As Javier Díaz Castro and Julio José Ochoa Herrera, the main authors of this work, suggested, maternal DHA supplementation may represent a useful nutritional strategy not only for the child’s cognitive and visual development but also in preventing anemia risk. Furthermore, supplementation could prevent anemia-related complications, including low birth weight and delayed cognitive development.

VitaDHA Materna: a Perfect Supplement During Pregnancy

VitaDHA Materna is a dietary supplement dedicated to the health of mother and child, thanks to its DHA content, which contributes to the normal development of the brain and vision of the fetus, and folic acid, an important vitamin, among other things, for preventing some serious congenital malformations.

Source: Javier Diaz-Castro et al. “DHA supplementation: A nutritional strategy to improve prenatal Fe homeostasis and prevent birth outcomes related with Fe-deficiency.” Journal of Functional Foods Volume 19, Part A, December 2015, Pages 385–393