Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy

n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may help regulate a number of biological processes including those that are important during pregnancy and delivery.

Marine foods are rich sources of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and evidence from observational studies has suggested a potential association between consumption of marine foods during pregnancy and reduced risk of certain adverse health outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight.

Current evidence suggests that supplementation with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with a reduced risk of preterm delivery and modest increase in birth weight, however further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.