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. 2008 Fall;1(4):162-9.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation during pregnancy

James A Greenberg, Stacey J Bell, Wendy Van Ausdal

Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation during pregnancy

James A Greenberg et al. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Fall.

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and can only be obtained from the diet. The requirements during pregnancy have not been established, but likely exceed that of a nonpregnant state. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for fetal neurodevelopment and may be important for the timing of gestation and birth weight as well. Most pregnant women likely do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids because the major dietary source, seafood, is restricted to 2 servings a week. For pregnant women to obtain adequate omega-3 fatty acids, a variety of sources should be consumed: vegetable oils, 2 low-mercury fish servings a week, and supplements (fish oil or algae-based docosahexaenoic acid).

Keywords: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); Fish oil; Omega-3 fatty acids; Pregnancy; Prenatal supplements.

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