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Dec 4, 2024

Omega-3 Levels in Prenatal Supplements: How this fatty acid can help with preterm births, yet most pregnant women are not consuming enough

Research

DFCM's Dr. Milena Forte latest research shows that prenatal supplements contain a wide-range of omega-3 levels that are often not consistent with recommended intake levels.

pregnant women at doctors
By Aislinn DeRoches

Dr. Milena Forte, DFCM Associate Professor and Physician at Mount Sinai Hospital is the senior author on a study led by Dr. Mary J. Scourboutakos with co-authors Elenee H. Harper, Dr. Michael T. Kopec and Lauren Rose. The study shines a light on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and demonstrates that prenatal supplements often contain insufficient amounts.

According to their study, Omega-3 Levels in Prenatal Supplements in the American Journal of Perinatology, prenatal supplements in Canada deliver a wide variety of levels of omega-3s, meaning they may not be consistent with recommended intake levels. In fact, only 28% of omega-3 containing prenatal supplements provide the recommended level that is needed by 90% of Canadian women.

This is important because, evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent preterm birth.

Read the full journal here.

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