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Lipid profile after omega-3 supplementation in neonates with intrauterine growth retardation: a randomized controlled
Mai Elsheikh1, Doaa El Amrousy2, Heba El-Mahdy1
1Pediatric Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Insights
Omega 3 supplementation improved lipid profiles and growth in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This intervention reduced harmful lipid levels and leptin while enhancing overall growth indicators.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) exhibit elevated lipid profiles, increasing their risk for future cardiovascular disease.
- Leptin, a key hormone in regulating body mass and fetal development, plays a role in IUGR.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for neonatal growth and brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of omega-3 supplementation on serum leptin levels in IUGR neonates.
- To evaluate the effects of omega-3 supplementation on lipid profiles (TC, HDL, TG, LDL) in IUGR neonates.
- To assess the influence of omega-3 supplementation on anthropometric measurements and growth in IUGR neonates.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving 70 full-term neonates diagnosed with IUGR.
- Randomized assignment into two groups: a treatment group receiving omega-3 (40 mg/kg/day) and a control group.
- Evaluation of serum leptin, lipid profiles, and anthropometric measurements at baseline and after two weeks of supplementation.
Main Results:
- Omega-3 supplementation led to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
- Significant reductions were observed in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and serum leptin levels in the treatment group.
- Omega-3 treated neonates showed substantial improvements in weight, length, and ponderal index compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Omega-3 supplementation effectively lowers serum leptin and detrimental lipid profiles (TC, TG, LDL, VLDL) in neonates with IUGR.
- The intervention significantly enhances high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and promotes improved growth parameters in this vulnerable population.
- Omega-3 supplementation presents a promising strategy to mitigate cardiovascular risk factors and support healthy development in neonates with IUGR.
Background:
Neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have a high lipid profile that predisposes them to cardiovascular disease later in life. We aimed to evaluate the effect of omega 3 supplementation on serum leptin level, lipid profile, and growth in neonates with IUGR.
Methods:
This clinical trial was conducted on 70 full-term neonates with IUGR. Neonates were randomly divided into two equal groups; the treatment group: received omega 3 supplement (40 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks after the establishment of full feeding, and the control group, who were followed up to full feeding without any supplementation. Serum leptin level, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and anthropometric measurement were evaluated at admission and after 2 weeks of omega 3 supplementation in both groups.
Results:
After treatment, HDL significantly increased, unlike TC, TG, LDL, LDL, and serum leptin levels, which significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group after treatment. Interestingly, weight, length, and ponderal index greatly increased in omega 3-treated neonates compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
Omega 3 supplementations lowered serum leptin level, TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL but increased HDL and growth in neonates with IUGR.
Clinical Trial Registration:
The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05242107).
Impact:
Neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) were reported to have a high lipid profile that predisposes them to cardiovascular disease later in life. Leptin is a hormone that adjusts dietary intake and body mass and has a significant role in fetal development. Omega 3 is known to be essential for neonatal growth and brain development. We aimed to evaluate the effect of omega 3 supplementation on serum leptin level, lipid profile, and growth in neonates with IUGR. We found that omega 3 supplementations lowered serum leptin level and serum lipid profile but increased high density lipoprotein and growth in neonates with IUGR.
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