The benefits of omega-3 supplementation in pregnant women

Prenatal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been found to reduce the incidence of inflammatory-related diseases in children up to 12 years of age. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, concludes that pregnant women may help their unborn children lead better, healthier lives once they are born by simply increasing their intake of omega-3 whilst carrying.

• Ninety-eight atopic pregnant women were randomly grouped to either receive 3.7 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily or olive oil (control) from 20 weeks gestation until delivery.
• The blood of each child of the participating women was collected at birth and when the child was 12 years old.
• Plasma analysis showed that children whose mothers supplemented with omega-3 acids daily while pregnant had more active compounds in their bodies that fought or resisted chronic inflammation.
• Furthermore, it was revealed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation allowed the children to have more specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM), a family of molecules that resolves inflammation.
• SPM levels in the treatment group were remarkable, especially at birth. However, it was observed that these levels do eventually go down as the child develops. This suggests that children need to be taught proper eating habits at an early age to facilitate continued good health.

This study adds to the growing amount of literature that suggests the many beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.

Are you expecting? You can read more ways to improve your health and that of your unborn child at WomensHealth.news.

Journal Reference:

Lee V, Mas E, Prescott S, Beilen L. EFFECTS OF PRENATAL N-3 FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON OFFSPRING RESOLVINS AT BIRTH AND 12 YEARS OF AGE: A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMISED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL. British Journal of Nutrition. 14 December 2017; 118 (11). DOI: 10.1017/S0007114517002914