Higher omega-3 index and DHA status in pregnant women compared to lactating women - Results from a German nation-wide cross-sectional study

authored by

Sandra Gellert, Jan Philipp Schuchardt, Andreas Hahn

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: During pregnancy and lactation, there is a high need of long-chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for fetus and infant. Also, a low LC n-3 PUFA status during pregnancy is associated with postpartum depression. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the LC n-3 PUFA status in German women during pregnancy and lactation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: As a part of a nationwide cross-sectional study in which the nutrient status of women in different stages of life was determined, 213 pregnant (≥27th week of gestation) and 127 lactating women between 18 and 44 years were evaluated regarding their LC n-3 PUFA status by measuring the omega-3 index (relative eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA concentration in erythrocyte fatty acid).

RESULTS: The mean omega-3 index of the total study population was 6.23±1.48%. Pregnant women showed significant (p≤0.001) higher omega-3 index values (6.40±1.31%) and DHA concentrations (5.91±1.23%) than lactating women (omega-3 index: 5.50±1.34%; DHA: 4.79±1.27%). Woman with LC n-3 PUFA supplementation showed higher omega-3 index values (7.73±1.28%) vs. women without supplementation (6.04±1.39%, p≤0.001). Week of pregnancy, month of lactation as well as smoking were negatively associated with the omega-3 index.

CONCLUSION: Comprehensive data on the long-term LC n-3 PUFA status of German women during pregnancy and lactation are presented. To evaluate an optimal maternal omega-3 index in view of the fetal and infant development further studies are needed.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Nutrition Physiology and Human Nutrition Section

Type

Article

Journal

Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids

Volume

109

Pages

22-28

No. of pages

ISSN

0952-3278

Publication date

06.2016

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Clinical Biochemistry, Cell Biology

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plefa.2016.04.002 (Access: Closed)