Supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) / Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in a ratio of 1/1.3 during the last trimester of pregnancy results in EPA accumulation in cord blood

摘要

Abstract Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA), specifically DHA, are associated with fetal growth and development. We aimed to determine the levels of DHA and EPA in cord serum after n-3 FA supplementation during the last trimester of pregnancy. Among 55 women, 23 were administered daily one capsule of n-3 FA supplement, involving DHA/EPA in a ratio of 1/1.3. Twenty nine women were enrolled as control group. Blood samples were collected at 22–24 weeks of gestation and at delivery. Fatty acids were analyzed with the method of GC-MS. Cord DHA level increased and EPA level decreased in both groups between the days of 22–24 and delivery. However, decrease in cord EPA level was significant in control group (p 0.05). Supplementation of DHA/EPA in a ratio of 1/1.3 during the last trimester of pregnancy caused higher cord EPA level compared to control group indicating an accumulation in umbilical cord. Highlights ? Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy improves fetus development and mother health. ? Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during last trimester increased DHA and EPA in cord in comparison with control group. ? In each supplemented and control groups, DHA increased and EPA decreased during the third trimester of pregnancy. ? Increases in DHA were significant in both groups. However, decrease in EPA was significant only in control group. ? Supplementation of DHA/EPA in a ratio of 1/1.3 during the last trimester resulted in EPA accumulation in cord blood.