Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy-The Case for a Target Omega-3 Index

Scientific societies recommend increasing intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 200 mg/day during pregnancy. However, individually, clinical events correlate quite strongly with levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA in blood, but these levels poorly correlate with amounts ingested. EPA and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nutrients 2020-03, Vol.12 (4), p.898
Main Author: von Schacky, Clemens
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Birth
Blood
Cardiovascular diseases
Childbirth & labor
Clinical trials
Correlation
Dietary Supplements
Docosahexaenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic acid
Erythrocytes
Fatty acids
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - administration & dosage
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - adverse effects
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - blood
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - therapeutic use
Female
Germany
Humans
Lactation
Offspring
Omega-3 fatty acids
Pregnancy
Pregnancy - physiology
Premature Birth
Prenatal Care
Review
Variability
Veganism
Vegetarianism
Womens health
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Summary:Scientific societies recommend increasing intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 200 mg/day during pregnancy. However, individually, clinical events correlate quite strongly with levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA in blood, but these levels poorly correlate with amounts ingested. EPA and DHA in erythrocytes (Omega-3 Index) have a low biologic variability. If analyzed with a standardized analytical procedure (HS-Omega-3 Index ), analytical variability is low. Thus, the largest database of any fatty acid analytical method was provided. Pregnant women in Germany had a mean Omega-3 Index below the target range suggested for cardiovascular disease of 8-11%, with large interindividual variation, and quite independent of supplementation with EPA and DHA. In Germany, premature birth is a major health issue. Premature birth and other health issues of pregnant women and their offspring correlate with levels of EPA and DHA in blood and can be reduced by increasing intake of EPA and DHA, according to individual trials and pertinent meta-analyses. Very high intake or levels of EPA and DHA may also produce health issues, like bleeding, prolonged gestation, or even premature birth. While direct evidence remains to be generated, evidence from various scientific approaches supports that the target range for the Omega-3 Index of 8-11% might also pertain to pregnancy and lactation.
ISSN:2072-6643
2072-6643
DOI:10.3390/nu12040898