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Impact of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in pregnancy on maternal health and birth outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trails

Abdelrahman MA, Osama H, Saeed H, Madney YM, Harb HS, Abdelrahim MEA

Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 2023

21,919 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Maternal omega-3 consumption during pregnancy has been positively linked with a positive impact on maternal health and fetal growth. However, the results of individual studies are inconsistent and conflicting.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the effect of supplementation with DHA, and/or EPA, and/or ALA throughout pregnancy on offspring's growth and pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

POPULATION: Pregnant women.

METHODS: According to (PRISMA) statement and the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. Human trials (RCT or quasi-RCT) which involved oral omega-3 supplementation at least twice a week during pregnancy were included and comparing it with control groups with no supplementation or placebo administration. Data were extracted and directed using RevMan software. Fifty-nine randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Performed in MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library comparing omega 3 with control groups, from 1990 to 2020.

THE MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational duration, preterm birth, early preterm birth, birth weight, low birth weight, neonatal length, and head circumference. The secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit, infant death, prenatal death, and cesarean section.

RESULTS: In 24 comparisons (21,919 women) n-3 fatty acids played a protective role against the risk of preeclampsia (RR =…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 21,919 participants or records.

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