Do Micronutrient and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Affect Human Maternal Immunity during Pregnancy? A Scoping Review

Abstract

Maternal dietary micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids support development of the fetal and neonatal immune system. Whether supplementation is similarly beneficial for the mother during gestation has received limited attention. A scoping review of human trials was conducted looking for evidence of biochemical, genomic, and clinical effects of supplementation on the maternal immune system. The authors explored the literature on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from 2010 to the present day using PRISMA-ScR methodology. Full-length human trials in English were searched for using general terms and vitamin A, B12, C, D, and E; choline; iodine; iron; selenium; zinc; and docosahexaenoic/eicosapentaenoic acid. Of 1391 unique articles, 36 were eligible for inclusion. Diverse biochemical and epigenomic effects of supplementation were identified that may influence innate and adaptive immunity. Possible clinical benefits were encountered in malaria, HIV infections, anemia, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, and preventing preterm delivery. Only limited publications were identified that directly explored maternal immunity in pregnancy and the effects of micronutrients. None provided a holistic perspective. It is concluded that supplementation may influence biochemical aspects of the maternal immune response and some clinical outcomes, but the evidence from this review is not sufficient to justify changes to current guidelines.

Choline supplements: An update

“…Choline is an important nutrient essential for proper functioning of liver, muscle, and brain (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). It is a main constituent of cell and organelle membranes and plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes including signal transduction, DNA and histone methylation, and nerve myelination (6,7). Choline is a precursor of different metabolites including the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), the membrane phospholipids phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin, and the methyl donor betaine.…”

“…Choline can be obtained from the diet and via de novo biosynthesis from the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to PC ( 6 , 8 ). The demand for choline increases particularly during pregnancy inasmuch as it is important for placental function, fetal growth, and brain development ( 7 ). Choline deficiency can cause serious medical conditions such as premature birth, cystic fibrosis, and hepato-steatosis.…”

Omega‐3 fatty acid supplements and recurrent miscarriage: A perspective on potential mechanisms and clinical evidence

“…In terms of RM, there is some evidence suggesting the potential involvement of omega‐3 fatty acids in treating or preventing RM (Carta et al, 2005; Lazzarin et al, 2009; Rossi & Costa, 1993). In addition, omega‐3 fatty acids possess anti‐inflammatory, immune‐modulatory, and endocrine‐modulatory effects, which could possibly affect RM (Di Bari et al, 2017; Dimitriadis et al, 2020; Rees et al, 2022; Singh, 2020; Tajuddin et al, 2016). However, there is no general consensus on the benefits of omega‐3 fatty acid supplements in treating RM as well as the fundamental mechanism of omega‐3 fatty acids in disputing RM.…”

The Role of Zinc in the T-Cell Metabolism in Infection Requires Further Investigation - An Opinion

“…Zn is second only to iron as the most abundant trace mineral in humans in our body. Research has focused on the utility of this transition metal in the immunologic system (7)(8)(9)(10). It seems that this trace element may boost immune function, soothe glycemia levels, and help keep cardiac, ocular, and cutaneous systems healthy, targeting the T-cell metabolism intimately (11)(12)(13).…”

“…Zinc (Zn) is an indispensable micronutrient with a re-discovered interest in nutritional medicine and supplementation ( 7 ). Zn is key to almost every aspect of the evolution of our human health.…”