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Implications of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy and lactation

Narinder Duggal, MD, FRCPC

Omega-3 fatty acids are a class of fats that have several health benefits. The two major Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Since they are not synthesized by the body, it is important to obtain them through diet. Optimal levels of omega-3 fatty acids are now known to be important for fetal development as DHA supports development of the fetal brain and enhances several neurological and cognitive functions.¹ Additionally, optimal levels of DHA in pregnancy improves the health of pregnant women and reduces the risk of preterm delivery.

Since fetuses are unable to synthesize omega-3 fatty acids, they depend on the maternal diet for it.² Unlike several other fatty acids, the molecular structure of DHA is also unique in that it can cross the placenta to reach the fetus and thus contribute to its development.^3,4

According to a study by Rogers et al, increasing omega-3 fatty acid consumption during pregnancy may enhance the fetal growth rate. The study, which involved 11,585 pregnant women in Southwest England, investigated the relationship between maternal fish intake in late pregnancy and the frequency of low birth weight.⁵ They found that there was statistically significant decline in the frequency of fetal growth retardation (IUGR, intra-uterine growth retardation) with increasing fish intake. Researchers concluded that raising omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may enhance fetal growth.

Omega-3 fish oils may also have therapeutic benefits in depression during pregnancy. An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to study the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of depression during pregnancy.⁶  It was concluded that subjects in the omega-3 group had significantly lower depressive symptoms. The omega-3 fatty acids were well tolerated and there were no adverse effects on the subjects.

Trials have shown that maternal intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation is favorable for later mental development of children.^7,8 Significant positive association is found between maternal DHA intake during pregnancy and the children's mental processing scores at 4 years.⁹ These findings suggest that optimization of the DHA and EPA status of expectant women may offer long-term developmental benefits to their children.

In conclusion, consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy can reduce the risk of premature birth and improve overall development of the fetal brain.¹⁰ However, some pregnant women do not include omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. As a result, the omega-3 fatty acid levels progressively decrease.¹¹ Therefore, supplementation in maternal diet is necessary to cover for the increased requirement of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy and during lactation.

Synergy Therapeutics Rx provides a pharmaceutical and physician formulated omega-3 fatty acid supplement, EPACOR, which can restore and stabilize optimal levels of omega-3 during pregnancy for a healthy mother and child. Discuss taking supplements with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or nursing. Ask your physician if EPACOR should be included with your supplements.


References:

1.    Yavin E. Versatile roles of docosahexaenoic acid in the prenatal brain: from pro- and anti-oxidant features to regulation of gene expression. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2006;75(3):203-11. (PUBMED Abstract)
2.    Valenzuela A, Nieto MS. [Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fetal development and in infant nutrition]. Rev Med Chil 2001;129(10):1203-11. (PUBMED Abstract)
3.    Hanebutt FL, Demmelmair H, Schiessl B, et al. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) transfer across the placenta. Clin Nutr 2008;27(5):685-93. (PUBMED Abstract)
4.    Yavin E, Glozman S, Green P. Docosahexaenoic acid sources for the developing brain during intrauterine life. Nutr Health 2001;15(3-4):219-24. (PUBMED Abstract)
5.    Rogers I, Emmett P, Ness A, Golding J. Maternal fish intake in late pregnancy and the frequency of low birth weight and intrauterine growth retardation in a cohort of British infants. J Epidemiol Community Health 2004;58(6):486-92. (PUBMED Abstract)
6.    Su KP, Huang SY, Chiu TH, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for major depressive disorder during pregnancy: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry 2008;69(4):644-51. (PUBMED Abstract)
7.    Jensen CL, Lapillonne A. Docosahexaenoic acid and lactation. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2009;81(2-3):175-8. (PUBMED Abstract)
8.    Meng LP, Zhang J, Zhao WH. [Relationship between maternal DHA intake and DHA status and development of fetus and infant]. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu 2005;34(2):231-3. (PUBMED Abstract)
9.    Helland IB, Smith L, Saarem K, et al. Maternal supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments children's IQ at 4 years of age. Pediatrics 2003;111(1):e39-44. (PUBMED Abstract)
10.    Yashodhara BM, Umakanth S, Pappachan JM, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids: a comprehensive review of their role in health and disease. Postgrad Med J 2009;85(1000):84-90. (PUBMED Abstract)
11.    Hornstra G, Al MD, van Houwelingen AC, Foreman-van Drongelen MM. Essential fatty acids in pregnancy and early human development. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1995;61(1):57-62. (PUBMED Abstract)