Intervention
Omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation in pregnancy.
Indication
Women with singleton pregnancies from 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the risk of a preterm birth (<37 weeks) and early preterm birth (<34 weeks)
Background
Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), also known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are most commonly found in fish and fish oils. Only 10% of Australian women of childbearing age meet the recommended dietary DHA intake.
Of all pregnancy complications, preterm birth (<37 weeks) has the highest burden in terms of mortality and morbidity. There are about 15 million preterm births worldwide per year. Preterm births account for 85% of all perinatal complications and death and is the leading cause of death in children aged <5 years.
Precautions
May increase risk of prolonged gestation although there was no difference in induction rate for post-term labour in the Cochrane review.
Description
Use a supplement with at least 500 mg DHA/day. The supplement does not need to be more than 1000 mg DHA plus EPA overall – higher doses do not appear to provide extra benefit. There is no need to continue supplementation after the birth.
Tips and Challenges
The doses of omega-3s tested are difficult to achieve through dietary sources alone
Most prenatal supplements do not contain enough omega-3s to reach the required amount to prevent preterm birth.
Currently available omega-3 supplements that contain the doses suggested by the review cost approximately $25 for a 60-day supply (about 40c per day).
Algal oil supplements are an alternative to fish oil supplements for vegetarians.
The quality of fish oil supplements has been raised as an issue for consumers. A 2015 study from the University of Auckland and the University of Newcastle found that only 3 out of 32 fish oil supplements contained EPA and DHA levels equal or higher than labelled. The best-before date, cost and country of origin were not indications of a supplement’s quality.
It is difficult to provide guidance on this other than to advise consumers:
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to check the use-by date of supplements
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not to consume the supplements if they smell odd
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to store supplements in a cool, dark place.
Grading
NHMRC Level 1 evidence.