Demographic and health characteristics associated with fish and n-3 fatty acid supplement intake during pregnancy: results from pregnancy cohorts in the ECHO programme

Abstract

Objective: Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid consumption during pregnancy is recommended for optimal pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. We examined characteristics associated with self-reported fish or omega-3 supplement intake. Design: Pooled pregnancy cohort studies. Setting: Cohorts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) consortium with births from 1999-2020. Participants: A total of 10,800 pregnant women in 23 cohorts with food frequency data on fish consumption; 12,646 from 35 cohorts with information on supplement use. Results: Overall, 24.6% reported consuming fish never or less than once per month, 40.1% less than once a week, 22.1% 1-2 times per week, and 13.2% more than twice per week. The relative risk (RR) of ever (vs. never) consuming fish was higher in participants who were older (1.14, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.18 for 35-40 vs. <29 years), were other than non-Hispanic White (1.13, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.18 for non-Hispanic Black; 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10 for non-Hispanic Asian; 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.10 for Hispanic), or used tobacco (1.04, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.08). The RR was lower in those with overweight vs. healthy weight (0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.0). Only 16.2% reported omega-3 supplement use, which was more common among individuals with a higher age and education, a lower BMI, and fish consumption (RR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.82 for twice-weekly vs. never). Conclusions: One-quarter of participants in this large nationwide dataset rarely or never consumed fish during pregnancy, and omega-3 supplement use was uncommon, even among those who did not consume fish.

An Inflammatory Question? Prenatal Air Pollution, Childhood Allergic Rhinitis, and Healthy Fats

“…Oken says the findings are another reason to recommend the regular consumption of fish or other sources of PUFAs during pregnancy. “We already know that a good fatty-acid status supports several desirable pregnancy outcomes, such as a reduced risk of preterm birth and better cognitive health for the baby, 25 , 34 ” she says. “Adding a lower risk of allergic rhinitis to the list of benefits is important, especially in high-pollution settings with limited opportunities to reduce exposure.”…”