Low consumption of seafood in early pregnancy as a risk factor for preterm delivery: prospective cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relation between intake of seafood in pregnancy and risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Aarhus, Denmark.


METHODS
8729 pregnant women.


METHODS
Preterm delivery and low birth weight.


RESULTS
The occurrence of preterm delivery differed significantly across four groups of seafood intake, falling progressively from 7.1% in the group never consuming fish to 1.9% in the group consuming fish as a hot meal and an open sandwich with fish at least once a week. Adjusted odds for preterm delivery were increased by a factor of 3.6 (95% confidence interval 1.2 to 11.2) in the zero consumption group compared with the highest consumption group. Analyses based on quantified intakes indicated that the working range of the dose-response relation is mainly from zero intake up to a daily intake of 15 g fish or 0.15 g n-3 fatty acids. Estimates of risk for low birth weight were similar to those for preterm delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
Low consumption of fish was a strong risk factor for preterm delivery and low birth weight. In women with zero or low intake of fish, small amounts of n-3 fatty acids--provided as fish or fish oil--may confer protection against preterm delivery and low birth weight.
Olsen
Sjúrdur Fródi
SF
Maternal Nutrition Group, Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark. sfo@ssi.dk
Secher
Niels Jørgen
NJ
D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000209:etiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017747:Seafood
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3