Highlights
- •Inconsistencies were observed in the findings of individual studies.
- •Consuming more fish/PUFA was associated with higher maternal omega-3 status.
- •Having a higher education level was related to higher maternal omega-3 status.
- •Higher alcohol intake was associated with a lower maternal omega-3 status.
- •Smoking in pregnancy was associated with a lower maternal omega-3 status.
Abstract/Summary
Introduction
Omega-3 DHA is important for the prevention of preterm birth, however there is limited
knowledge of the determinants of omega-3 status during pregnancy. The primary objective
of this systematic review was to synthesise data from existing studies assessing relationships
between sociodemographic, diet, lifestyle and genetic factors and maternal DHA status.
Materials and methods
The Medline, Embase, Amed, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies reporting
measures of maternal omega-3 status and a sociodemographic/lifestyle/genetic characteristic.
Results
Twenty-two studies were included in the final analyses. Higher dietary fish consumption/PUFA
intake, higher education level and an older maternal age were associated with higher
maternal omega-3 status. Higher alcohol intake, smoking and FADS genotype were each
associated with lower maternal omega-3 status.
Discussion
Differences in findings between studies make it difficult to draw clear conclusions
about the relationship between these factors and maternal omega-3 DHA status, although
socioeconomic status may play a role.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 25, 2019
Accepted:
November 15,
2019
Received in revised form:
November 15,
2019
Received:
August 28,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
