Consuming Omega-3 Before and After Pregnancy Reduces Preterm Births

Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of preterm births and low birth weight. This was demonstrated in a study involving 350 women who were given 600 mg of DHA or a placebo before the 20th week of gestation. Researchers found a strong correlation between gestation length and newborn weight with the intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in Omega-3s.

Study Results from the First 5 Years

Expectant mothers who took DHA during the study, unlike those given the placebo, had longer pregnancies and their babies were born with higher birth weights and larger length and head circumference. Specifically, women supplemented with Omega-3 had fewer births before 34 weeks of gestation, leading to shorter hospital stays for both mother and child.

Long-Term Benefits of DHA

This first phase of research covers the initial 5 years of a 10-year study and involves not only the mothers but also the children. From 18 months to 6 years old, the children will undergo biannual check-ups to evaluate if Omega-3 supplementation provides long-term benefits, improving intellectual abilities and school performance. Previous studies show Omega-3s have positive effects on learning and development, and since DHA accumulates quickly in the fetal brain, this research aims to uncover new insights into the benefits of Omega-3 intake during growth.

Source: Susan E Carlson, John Colombo, Byron J Gajewski, Kathleen M Gustafson, David Mundy. "DHA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes" American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.050021