Premature birth, omega-3 supplementation reduces the risk of preterm birth and is associated with higher newborn weight.
The consumption of fish oil rich in omega-3 during the third trimester of pregnancy can prolong gestation by reducing the risk of premature birth and promote increased newborn weight. Daily supplementation with 2.4 grams of EPA and DHA appears to extend the duration of pregnancy by two days and is associated with a birth weight increase of 97 grams. These data confirm and expand knowledge about the role of omega-3 supplements during pregnancy and their importance for the health of both mother and newborn.
This is reported by a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Göteborg (Norway). Preterm births: a public health issue in Europe and Italy A preterm birth is one that occurs before the 37th week of gestation. Every year in Europe, about 500,000 children, or one in ten, are born prematurely.
In Italy, it is estimated that about 8% of newborns are preterm, while births before 32 weeks account for nearly 1% of newborns. Premature babies, besides being small and underweight, have a higher probability compared to others of presenting brain development defects and learning difficulties in the coming years. In fact, children born early are at greater risk of developing growth problems, respiratory system issues, neurological disorders, behavioral difficulties, and academic challenges. Additionally, these children experience more frequent hospitalizations and have a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Besides some maternal pathological conditions such as diabetes, certain physiological or lifestyle factors before pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth. The most important among these are:
- advanced maternal age
- underweight or obesity
- unhealthy eating habits
- smoking
- alcohol consumption
- drug use
- environmental pollution
- stress and depression
- a too short interval between two pregnancies
- a previous preterm birth
Regarding the importance of nutrients during pregnancy and supplementation, data from the KUDOS study conducted by researchers from the University of Kansas indicated that supplementation with omega-3 DHA at a dose of 600 milligrams per day during the last two trimesters of pregnancy can significantly reduce the number of premature births.
Similarly, an Australian study published recently in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids showed that supplementation with DHA is associated with a 15% reduction in preterm pregnancy cases. Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated that nutritional interventions that increase DHA, the omega-3 present in high concentrations in brain and retinal cells, are very important for improving health status in premature infants.
Omega-3 supplementation reduces the risk of premature birth
In the new clinical study, researchers evaluated the effects of supplementation with 2.4 grams per day of fish oil during the third trimester of pregnancy on birth weight and gestation length. The results confirmed data from previous studies showing that supplementation with fish oil leads to a prolonged pregnancy and increased birth weight, with significantly larger newborn size. This suggests that the increased birth weight is not only explained by the longer duration of pregnancy but is also a consequence of increased intrauterine growth. The study adds to a growing number of scientific publications supporting the benefits of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy, as well as on the health and development of children.
Commenting independently on the study’s terms, Harry Rice, vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs of the EPA and DHA organization (GOED), stated that the results confirm the role of EPA and DHA supplements during pregnancy and how public health policies must consistently consider these positive data.
Some details of the research
To carry out the study, researchers recruited 736 women between the twenty-second and twenty-sixth week of pregnancy, between 2009 and 2010. The women were divided into two groups and randomly assigned two different treatments. Some of them received daily supplements containing four grams of fish oil, providing 2.4 grams of omega-3 (55% EPA and 37% DHA), while the control group received simply olive oil.
The results showed an increase in the duration of pregnancy of two full days and an average birth weight increase of 97 grams, relative to gestational age, meaning the time elapsed since the start of the woman’s last menstrual period.
Future studies will explore the role of supplementation in the periconceptional period
According to the researchers who conducted the study, supplementation with fish oil during the third trimester of pregnancy led to a prolongation of gestation and increased birth weight of the baby. This weight gain is due to both the longer duration of pregnancy and probably increased intrauterine growth. Future studies should focus on dose-response relationships and on the composition of omega-3 supplements used, and on their overall role in improving fetal and infant health.
Omega-3 during pregnancy. Which supplement to choose?
VitaDHA® produced by U.G.A Nutraceuticals, has been formulated to support the health of mother and child from the periconceptional period through breastfeeding. It contains Omega-3 DHA and a new generation folic acid in its most bioavailable form. This combination contributes to the normal development of the brain and eyesight of the fetus, as well as the proper growth of maternal tissues and the child.
Source: R. Kofod Vinding et al. “Fish Oil Supplementation in Pregnancy Increases Gestational Age, Size for Gestational Age, and Birth Weight in Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. The Journal of Nutrition.
