[Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for risk reduction of preterm birth: Evidence and current recommendations]

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for risk reduction of preterm birth: Evidence and current recommendations Due to an increased need, pregnant women are recommended to take 350-450 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) daily from food or supplements. Pregnant women with a low intake of DHA (<150 mg/day) or low blood levels of DHA (omega-3 index<4%) are at increased risk of preterm birth<34 weeks of gestation. Numerous studies have shown controversial results regarding a reduction in preterm birth rates through supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In pregnant women with a low omega-3 index, daily supplementation of up to 1000 mg DHA was found to be associated with a significant decrease in the rate of preterm birth<34 weeks of gestation. Hence, these pregnant women are advised to take 600-1000 mg DHA+EPA/day or DHA alone in the same dosages commencing before 20 weeks of gestation until 37 weeks of gestation. Identification of women at increased risk of preterm birth is achievable by screening using the DHA food frequency questionnaire or assessing the omega-3 index.