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Tolerability of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in perinatal women

Freeman MP, Sinha P

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, 2007

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in perinatal women are well documented, although fish intake has declined among perinatal women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the tolerability of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in perinatal women.

DESIGN: Pregnant and postpartum women with major depressive disorder (MDD) entered an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids. Four capsules provided 1.84 g/day of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or matching placebo (corn oil with 1% fish oil to maintain blind). Tolerability was assessed by clinician interview biweekly.

RESULTS: Fifty-nine women enrolled. Thirteen (22%) reported mainly transient side effects including dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, burping, heartburn/reflux, difficulty swallowing capsules, unpleasant breath/bad taste or feeling tired. The most common were unpleasant breath/bad taste and heartburn/reflux. Six reporting side effects received omega-3 fatty acids; seven received placebo. Neither pregnant nor postpartum women discontinued due to intolerability.

CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements were well tolerated by perinatal women.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.

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