Gestational age and maternal status of DHA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnancy: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal diet is important in determining omega-3 DHA status however there is limited knowledge of other factors influencing maternal omega-3 concentrations during pregnancy. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether maternal DHA status changed across gestation. Changes in levels of other key polyunsaturated fatty acids were also investigated.

Materials and methods: The Medline, Embase, Amed, and CINAHL databases were searched. Included studies reported measures of maternal omega-3 status in at least two pregnancy trimesters.

Results: Thirteen studies were included in the final analyses. Absolute omega-3 DHA concentrations increased across gestation, but decreased as a proportion of total lipids.

Discussion: Our findings are consistent with previous observations of increases in lipid mobilisation, coupled with preferential transfer of DHA to the fetus, with advancing gestation. However the number of eligible studies was small and further investigations are required.

Keywords: DHA; Gestational age; Maternal fatty acid status; Maternal omega-3 status; Omega-3; Polyunsaturated fatty acids.