Research has already shown that taking omega-3s during pregnancy will improve the muscle and bone development of the unborn baby. A new study, conducted by the independent nonprofit Cochrane, this time finds that omega-3 supplements may reduce the risk of preterm delivery. The results are published in the institution’s review on November 16.
Daily intake decreases the risk
These premature births, i.e. before 37 completed weeks of gestation, are the leading cause of death in children under 5 worldwide, and represent nearly one million deaths per year. according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Philippa Middleton, associate professor at the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth organization and the South Australian Institute for Health and Medical Research (SAHMRI), explains in a press release Wiley : “We know premature birth is a critical global health problem, with an estimated 15 million babies born too early each year […] and the earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk of death or ill health ”.
Prof. Philippa Middleton and her team of researchers therefore closely examined omega-3 fatty acids, and their role in reducing the risk of preterm birth. They particularly looked at docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), present in fatty fish and fish oil-based supplements. They eventually found that this daily omega-3 intake reduced:
- 11% risk of premature birth less than 37 weeks, from 134 births to 119 per 1,000;
- 42% risk of premature birth less than 34 weeks, from 46 births to 27 per 1,000;
- 10% risk of having a small baby, that is to say less than 2.5 kilos.
“We do not yet fully understand the causes of preterm labor. It is therefore always difficult to predict and prevent an early birth, adds the researcher. This is one of the reasons why omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy is of such great interest to researchers around the world. “ Nonetheless, she warns that many supplements currently on the market do not contain the optimal dose or type of omega-3 to prevent preterm birth. From 12 weeks pregnant, the study suggests daily supplementation between 500 and 1000 mg of long chain acids – that is, containing at least 500 mg of DHA. But the doctor’s advice is always strongly advised.
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