Research paper

The effectiveness of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid interventions during pregnancy on obesity measures in the offspring: an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Nutrition

Sep 2018

DOI: 10.1007/s00394-018-1824-9

Citations: 30

Influential: 1

Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses

Study answer

What this study found

Prenatal omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation did not reduce obesity-related outcomes in offspring. Pooled estimates showed no association with BMI (SMD -0.001, 95% CI -0.08, 0.08; 2051 children), BMI-z (SMD 0.082, 95% CI -0.077, 0.24; 2511 children), body fat percentage (SMD 0.00, 95% CI -0.09, 0.09; 1641 children), fat mass (SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.08, 0.10; 1641 children), weight, or height. Weight z score and height z score were also null, but heterogeneity was substantial (I2 90.9% and 88.4%, respectively).

Study & population: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials from 10 unique trials including 3644 children.
Intervention: Maternal supplementation with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy, most often DHA alone or combined EPA plus DHA; one trial used algal DHA.
Key limitation: Interpretation is limited by substantial heterogeneity, small sample sizes for several outcomes, and high attrition in some trials.

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Original abstract

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