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March 21, 2026

Effect of high-docosahexaenoic acid omega-3 supplementation in low-risk pregnant women on maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Southeast Brazil: a randomized clinical trial

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate the effects of high-DHA omega-3 supplementation on maternal and neonatal health outcomes in low-risk pregnant women.
Conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Participants were low-risk pregnant women aged 20-40 at 22-24 weeks of gestation.
Intervention group received high-DHA omega-3 supplementation; control group received olive oil.
Health outcomes were assessed via telephone after delivery.
No significant differences in mean gestational age between groups.
Variation in adequate gestational weight gain approached significance but was not conclusive.
Other health outcomes like BMI, mode of delivery, and birth parameters showed no significant differences.

Abstract

Despite well-documented benefits of omega-3 for maternal and child health, evidence on high-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in low-risk pregnant women is limited. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among low-risk pregnant women aged 20-40 years at 22-24 weeks of gestation to evaluate the effects of high-DHA omega-3 supplementation on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The control group (CG, n = 30) received oral olive oil supplementation, and the intervention group (IG, n = 30) received omega-3 1700 mg, 260 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 1440 mg of DHA for ∼16 weeks or until delivery. Maternal and neonatal health outcomes were collected by telephone 15 days after delivery. Forty-five pregnant women completed the study (IG: 20; CG: 25). Adherence to supplementation was above 90% and did not differ between groups (P > .05). There were no differences between groups in mean gestational age (CG: 39.3 ± 1.6; IG: 39.2 ± 1.6; P = .877), adequate gestational weight gain (CG: 24.0%; IG: 50.0%; P = .088), adequate gestational BMI before delivery (CG: 33.3%; IG: 27.8%; P = .261), vaginal delivery (CG: 72.0%; IG: 60.0%; P = .396), full-term birth (CG: 92%; IG: 90%; P = .815), adequate weight (CG: 91.3%; IG: 94.7%; P = .237), and adequate length for gestational age (CG: 82.6%; IG: 100%; P = .056). Omega-3 supplementation with a higher concentration of DHA had no effect on the maternal and neonatal health outcomes investigated in a Brazilian sample of low-risk pregnant women. Further studies are needed to evaluate this effect in pregnant women at higher nutritional risk and with low dietary intake of omega-3.

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