Omega-3 deficiency in pregnancy: a dangerous and common condition especially among the weaker segments of the population

Omega-3 deficiency in pregnancy: dangerous and common!

Although the benefits of omega-3 in pregnancy are now well known, there are many women who do not consume enough EPA and DHA during gestation, putting their own health and that of their babies at risk. In fact, omega-3s are essential for the proper course of pregnancy and to ensure the development of the fetus. According to a recent U.S. study, pregnant and childbearing-age women consume an average of only 89 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day, an amount too low compared to the daily amount needed. The most worrisome data mainly concern women belonging to the weaker socio-economic groups. The entire research, conducted by scientists at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA, was recently published in the journal Nutrients.

Omega-3 in pregnancy: essential for the health of the fetus and mother

Maternal nutrition is essential during gestation to ensure the healthy development of the fetus, the health of the mother and the proper course of pregnancy.
Several studies have shown that the quantity and quality of fatty acids consumed during gestation profoundly influence the growth and development of the baby.
In particular, omega-3s consumed by pregnant women through proper nutrition have been found to be associated with a lower risk of maternal depression, reduced rates of intrauterine growth restriction andpreterm birth, as well as a lower risk of allergies and asthma in infants, and greater neurocognitive ability outcome in offspring.

DHA is the main polyunsaturated fatty acid contained in the human brain and retinal rods, and is essential for brain and retinal development of the fetus during pregnancy, and psychomotor and visual development of the child in the first months of life. Many studies, performed in recent years, have demonstrated the healthful effects of these fatty acids, and numerous groups of researchers have proposed recommendations on omega-3 intake based on age, health and other factors. 

Daily recommendations for omega-3 consumption vary widely, probably due to the wide range of dosages used in the various clinical trials investigating the positive actions of these fatty acids. In any case, the guidance suggests, with general consensus, a minimum dose of 200 milligrams per day of EPA and DHA. For example, during pregnancy and lactation, the World Health Organization proposes consumption of 200-500 mg per day of EPA and DHA. 

According to the EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) and the 2014 LARNs (Reference Intake Levels of Nutrients and Energy for the Italian Population), DHA requirements increase by 100-200 mg per day during pregnancy and lactation, in addition to the 200 mg indicated as the recommended daily requirement of omega-3 (EPA and DHA); in view of studies that have shown that increased DHA in breast milk coincides with a better overall health picture of the infant, especially in terms of cognitive development and visual acuity. In addition, fish also plays a major role in the breastfeeding woman's diet. At least 2 servings of fish (fatty or semi-fatty) per week, up to a maximum of 3-4 servings, are needed to provide the correct amount of DHA. 

The choice of fish for feeders should fall on those rich in EPA and DHA and at low risk of containing environmental contaminants, such as mercury. Therefore, small fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel should be preferred over large fish that are more prone to accumulate contaminants. Despite the importance of these fatty acids in maternal fetal health, omega-3 consumption in pregnancy is typically very low in the Western diet and is influenced by socioeconomic factors that have been shown to impact overall diet quality, particularly fruit and vegetable consumption.

Low omega-3s in pregnancy for most American women

The objective of this study was to use data collected from a national survey (NHANES) to investigate omega-3 consumption in women of childbearing age in the United States, and to assess the impact of poverty, race, food security, and other socioeconomic factors on these nutrients. According to the survey results, the amount of DHA consumed by pregnant and nonpregnant women was found to be 66 mg per day and 58 milligrams per day, respectively. These amounts do not include omega-3s from dietary supplements; but other data indicate that only 9% of pregnant women had taken EPA and/or DHA supplements and only 1.8% of nonpregnant women. 

Among the women surveyed, the researchers found that omega-3 consumption decreased as poverty increased, and that those with college education showed higher omega-3 levels than those with less education. "Our results demonstrate that low omega-3 consumption must be a concern for pregnant and childbearing women in the United States, and that weaker groups are more susceptible to deficiencies," the researchers stated in the pages of Nutrients, emphasizing the need for strategies aimed at increasing omega-3 consumption so as to improve maternal and child health status. Commenting independently on the study's findings, Harry Rice, vice president of the Organization for EPA and DHA (Goed), said these results stem from well-designed research and suggest the benefits of supplementing with EPA and DHA for pregnant women, particularly when it comes to reducing the likelihood of early birth. In fact, as experts are well aware, carrying a pregnancy to term on time strongly increases the likelihood of good health after birth, which highlights how crucial omega-3 consumption is for pregnant women. Current research emphasizes the need to encourage EPA and DHA consumption through fish consumption and/or supplementation with good quality supplements.

Some significant details of the study

The scientists, during the research, used data from 7,266 women who had participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2003 and 2012. Of these, 6,478 referred to women of childbearing age, while 788 referred to women who were pregnant at the time of the survey. Among the data collected, those related to nutrition status indicated that the population's average EPA and DHA intake was 89 mg, and there were no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women. 

Analyzing the numbers in subgroups, the researchers found that omega-3 consumption was associated with the socio-cultural level and ethnicity of the women involved. Non-Hispanic white people of childbearing age had shown the lowest levels of EPA and DHA, with an average value of 78 mg per day, compared with Hispanic women (94 mg), non-Hispanic black women (112 mg), and women of other ethnic or multiracial backgrounds (142 mg). 

Many factors would seem to contribute to these dietary disparities, including the high cost in the United States of healthier foods. Indeed, individuals from poorer households are less likely to consume vegetables and fruits and are more likely to buy foods high in fat and sugar, and consequently, more likely to manifest nutritional deficiencies. The use of vitamin and omega-3 supplements in these population groups was also found to be very rare.

Intervention programs for the most vulnerable populations

In conclusion, the data collected report the need to encourage American women to consume higher amounts of EPA and especially DHA. However, further study will be needed to determine what type of intervention is most appropriate for specific populations, particularly low-income populations, which also turn out to be those with higher body weights and used to follow poor-quality diets, with negative outcomes for child and maternal health. Indeed, as the researchers pointed out, "As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, issues related to health and nutrition disparities become even more relevant."

Maternal Vita DHA: the pregnancy-specific supplement

Maternal VitaDHA is the supplement offered by U.G.A. Nutraceuticals dedicated to maternal and child health. One pearl of the product contains 350 milligrams of omega-3 and 400 micrograms of highly bioavailable folic acid.

Source: 

T.M. Nordgren et al. "Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake of Pregnant Women and Women of Childbearing Age in the United States: Potential for Deficiency?" Nutrients ; 2017, 9(3).