Omega-3 supplementation in addition to prenatal vitamins during pregnancy is associated with lower rates of preterm birth and small for gestational age
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids and prenatal vitamins support fetal growth, but most studies assess omega-3 supplementation without accounting for baseline prenatal vitamin use during pregnancy. In this secondary analysis, we obtained data from the large, prospective Nulliparous Mother-to-be (nuMoM2b) cohort study of 9,461 nulliparous individuals. Participants were enrolled through eight clinical sites across the United States. We compared adverse birth outcomes between those taking additional omega-3 supplements beyond standard prenatal vitamin intake (PNV-OM) vs. prenatal vitamins alone (PNV). PNV-OM intake was associated with significantly lower rates of preterm birth (5.04 vs. 8.41%, P < 0.001) and SGA (2.84 vs. 4.48%, P = 0.004). After adjustment for demographic and clinical differences, PNV-OM use remained associated with reduced odds of preterm birth (aOR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47–0.86, P = 0.004) and SGA (aOR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42–0.95, P = 0.03). However, given substantial socioeconomic differences between groups and the potential for residual confounding, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Supplemental omega-3 intake during pregnancy may provide an additive benefit beyond prenatal vitamins alone, but randomized trials are needed to determine whether this relationship is causal.
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. Reported size: 9,461 participants or records.
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