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n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation: effects on infant and maternal outcomes

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Abstract

Background

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid, are, respectively, n-3 and n-6 family members and play an important role in fetal and infant growth and development. Pregnancy and lactation impose special nutritional needs for the mother-fetus situation. Since the LC-PUFA required by the fetus is supplied by preferential placental transfer of preformed LC-PUFA rather than their precursor, it has been hypothesized that additional maternal supply of LC-PUFA, especially DHA, during pregnancy may improve maternal and infant outcomes.

Aim

To summarize evidences of the effect of n-3 LC-PUFA intake during pregnancy and lactation on maternal and infant outcomes in order to offer a comprehensive view of this issue that should be useful for clinical practice.

Results

Maternal n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation may reduce risk for early preterm birth >34 weeks and seems very promising for primary allergy prevention during childhood. On the contrary, there are not sufficient data proving that the consumption of oils rich in n-3 LC-PUFA during pregnancy optimizes child’s visual and neurodevelopment and reduces the risk for preeclampsia and perinatal depression; the implications of these findings remain to be elucidated.

Conclusion

The implications of n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation on fetal development, maternal outcomes and later infant growth is worth being elucidated and is promising in its potential for a positive impact on fetal and maternal outcomes.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, U.O. Ematologia e CTMO, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy

    Rachele De Giuseppe

  2. Unit of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy

    Carla Roggi & Hellas Cena

Authors
  1. Rachele De Giuseppe
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  2. Carla Roggi
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  3. Hellas Cena
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Correspondence to Rachele De Giuseppe.

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De Giuseppe, R., Roggi, C. & Cena, H. n-3 LC-PUFA supplementation: effects on infant and maternal outcomes. Eur J Nutr 53, 1147–1154 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0660-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0660-9

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