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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015:2015:123078.
doi: 10.1155/2015/123078. Epub 2015 Aug 27.

The Effect of Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Gestational Length: Randomized Trial of Supplementation Compared to Nutrition Education for Increasing n-3 Intake from Foods

Mary A Harris  1 , Melanie S Reece  2 , James A McGregor  3 , John W Wilson  1 , Shannon M Burke  4 , Marsha Wheeler  5 , Jennifer E Anderson  1 , Garry W Auld  1 , Janice I French  6 , Kenneth G D Allen  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Gestational Length: Randomized Trial of Supplementation Compared to Nutrition Education for Increasing n-3 Intake from Foods

Mary A Harris et al. Biomed Res Int. 2015.

Abstract

Objective: DHA supplementation was compared to nutrition education to increase DHA consumption from fish and DHA fortified foods.

Design: This two-part intervention included a randomized double-blind placebo controlled DHA supplementation arm and a nutrition education arm designed to increase intake of DHA from dietary sources by 300 mg per day.

Setting: Denver Health Hospitals and Clinics, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Population: 871 pregnant women aged 18-40 were recruited between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation of whom 564 completed the study and complete delivery data was available in 505 women and infants.

Methods: Subjects received either 300 or 600 mg DHA or olive oil placebo or nutrition education.

Main outcome variable: Gestational length.

Results: Gestational length was significantly increased by 4.0-4.5 days in women supplemented with 600 mg DHA per day or provided with nutrition education. Each 1% increase in RBC DHA at delivery was associated with a 1.6-day increase in gestational length. No significant effects on birth weight, birth length, or head circumference were demonstrated. The rate of early preterm birth (1.7%) in those supplemented with DHA (combined 300 and 600 mg/day) was significantly lower than in controls.

Conclusion: Nutrition education or supplementation with DHA can be effective in increasing gestational length.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Validation of food frequency inventory with erythrocyte (RBC) membrane percent total DHA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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