Serum fatty acid distributions and prevalence of low omega-3 status in early pregnancy: A cross-sectional analysis of 26,389 samples from an omega-3 test-and-treat program
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite evidence that omega-3 supplementation reduces early preterm birth, population-level data on the distribution of fatty acids in pregnancy are limited. Statewide early-pregnancy screening data were used to describe serum fatty acid profiles.
METHODS
We analysed serum fatty acid classes (saturated, monounsaturated, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA] and omega-3 PUFA) from women in South Australia's Omega-3 Test-and-Treat Program (Apr 2021-Apr 2025). Samples collected at 4.3%).
RESULTS
Among 26,389 samples, omega-6 PUFA was highest (median 36.9%), followed by saturated fatty acids (31.6%), monounsaturated fatty acids (26.2%), and omega-3 PUFA (4.4%). Total omega-3 PUFA, DHA and EPA were right-skewed, whereas arachidonic acid (AA) had a narrow distribution. Overall, 16.1% were classified as low total omega-3, 26.7% were moderate and 57.2% sufficient. Compared with samples classified as sufficient, those with low omega-3 had higher linoleic acid (29.0%vs 26.9%) and slightly lower AA (6.2%vs 7.1%). The clinically validated cut-off for low omega-3 (<3.7%) was similar to one standard deviation below the cohort mean (mean -1 SD = 3.47%).
CONCLUSION
Around one in six samples had low serum total omega-3 status. These data quantify early-pregnancy serum fatty acid profiles and demonstrate the clinically validated low omega-3 cut-off lies in the lower tail of the population distribution, providing context for biomarker-guided screening in pregnancy.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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