Increased LC PUFA Levels in the Serum of Pregnant Women and Their Children as a Result of Dietary Supplementation with ‘Omega’ Fatty Acids

Abstract

Essential fatty acids (EFA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) are considered the most valuable bioactive fatty acids (FA) of the greatest importance for the mother’s and child’s health (e.g., placentation process, labor course, development of the central nervous system, visual acuity, cognitive functions), which results in dietary recommendations concerning EFA and LC PUFA intake in the diet of pregnant women. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of different food products consumption and ‘omega’ dietary supplements usage in groups of pregnant women. We also measured n-3 and n-6 FA content in serum samples of pregnant women and their children with the GC-FID technique, estimated the efficacy of applied supplementation, and compared the usefulness of different dietary supplements dedicated for pregnant women. ‘Omega’ dietary supplements effectively increased LC PUFA in the maternal blood (EPA, p = 0.0379; DHA p < 0.0001; n-3 PUFA, p < 0.0001), which penetrated the umbilical cord (EPA, p = 0.0131; DHA, p = 0.0288). If fish and seafood consumption is not enough, dietary supplements of the highest quality may provide sufficient LC PUFA without apprehension of MetHg contamination. ‘Omega’ dietary supplementation seems the most efficient way of providing an optimal supply of LC PUFA for the developing child from the earliest stages of development, which will bring advantages in the child’s future life and its health.

Nutrition and Supplements during Pregnancy: A Vital Component in Building the Health and Well-Being of Both the Mother and the Developing Baby

“…Essential fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are deemed beneficial for fetal development and the birthing process. Omega-3 dietary supplementation appears to be the most efficient method to enhance levels of circulating long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, rather than solely relying on increased fish and seafood consumption [9]. Short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate have also shown favorable effects in addition to long-chain fatty acids.…”

Evaluation of gene expression and immune system of swine after consumption of biofortified milk with n-3 and n-6

“…The supplementation of the mother with LC-PUFA and the effects on the offspring do not yet provide evidence on cognitive development, but they do provide evidence of changes in blood, head size and body composition in human babies (BROŚ-KONOPIELKO et al, 2023;LAURITZEN et al, 2005). We can consider that in the literature there are no results on the effects of the n-6/n-3 ratio on cognitive development, meaning that this study is a strong indication for further research into this area.…”