Supplementation of Omega 3 during Pregnancy and the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal death and long-term consequences for the newborn. This review aims to update the evidence about the potential benefit of pharmacological supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy on the incidence of PTB. The Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Central databases were searched until 28 June 2020 for RCTs in which omega 3 supplementation was used versus placebo to reduce PTB risk. Data from 37 trials were analyzed. We found an 11% reduction in PTB risk (RR(risk ratios), 0.89; 95% CI (confidence intervals), 0.82 to 0.97) in trials using omega 3 supplements versus placebo. Regarding early PTB (ePTB), there was a 27% reduction in the risk of ePTB (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.92). However, after sensitivity analyses, there were no significant differences in PTB and ePTB risk (PTB RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.01, ePTB RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.09). We conclude that omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of PTB and ePTB. More studies are required to determine the effect of omega 3 supplementations during pregnancy and the risk of detrimental fetal outcomes.

Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, September 2022) – Part 1 with Recommendations on the Epidemiology, Etiology, Prediction, Primary and Secondary Prevention of Preterm Birth

“…Reference: [74] 4.5 Cessation of smoking ). However, the sensitivity analysis found no significant differences between the two groups, and the authors therefore concluded that the administration of omega-3 PUFAs does not lower the preterm birth rate [78].…”

“…Die jüngste Metaanalyse 2021 (31 RCT, n = 21 458) ergab beim Vergleich der Supplementation mit Omega-3-PUFA vs. Placebo/ keine Supplementation eine 11 %ige Reduktion der Frühgeburtenrate < 37 SSW (RR 0,89; 95 %-KI 0,82-0,96) und von 27 % < 34 SSW (RR 0,73; 95 %-KI 0,58-0,92). Allerdings zeigte die Sensitivitätsanalyse keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen beiden Gruppen, sodass die Autoren zu dem Schluss kamen, dass die Gabe von Omega-3-PUFA die Frühgeburtenrate nicht senkt[78].…”

Effect of Dietary Supplement Use on Pregnancy

“…실제로 여러 연 구에서도 임산부의 오메가-3 섭취가 태아의 지능발달과 연 관이 있음을 보여주었다 (Colombo et al, 2016;Dunstan et al, 2008). 또한 오메가-3가 조산의 위험성을 낮추고 산후우울증을 낮춘다는 연구 결과도 있다 (Hsu et al, 2018;Serra et al, 2021;Simmonds et al, 2020). 오메가-3의 긍정적 연관성 대한 여러 연구가 있지만 일반화하기 위해 서는 좀 더 많은 연구가 필요하겠다.…”

The function of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in response to cadmium exposure

“…Many studies have pointed out that Cd exposure affects fertility ( 143 – 145 ), and FAs, as important substrates for early reproductive events, have received much attention. Human and animal studies have shown that ingestion of n-3 PUFAs through diet or dietary supplements can be effective in reducing the risk of early preterm birth, and n-3 PUFAs supplementation during pregnancy could also reduce the risk of allergic disease in childhood ( 146 , 147 ). At the same time, supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in men also has a protective effect on their reproductive systems ( 148 – 150 ).…”