Relationship between dietary intake of cod liver oil in early pregnancy and birthweight.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possible association between birth outcome and marine food and cod liver oil intake of healthy women in early (prior to 15 weeks of gestation) pregnancy.


METHODS
An observational study.


METHODS
Free-living conditions in a community with traditional fish and cod liver oil consumption.


METHODS
Four hundred and thirty-five healthy pregnant Icelandic women without antenatal and intrapartum complications.


METHODS
Dietary intake of the women was estimated with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) covering food intake together with lifestyle factors for the previous three months. Questionnaires were filled out at between 11 and 15 weeks and between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation. The estimated intake of marine food and cod liver oil was compared with birthweight by linear and logistic regression controlling for potential confounding.


METHODS
Birthweight, cod liver oil intake, lifestyle factors (alcohol, smoking).


RESULTS
Fourteen percent of the study population used liquid cod liver oil in early pregnancy. Regression analysis shows that these women gave birth to heavier babies (P < 0.001), even after adjusting for the length of gestation and other confounding.


CONCLUSIONS
Maternal intake of liquid cod liver oil early in pregnancy was associated with a higher birthweight. Higher birthweight has been associated with a lower risk of diseases later in life and maternal cod liver oil intake might be one of the means for achieving higher birthweight.
Olafsdottir
Anna S
AS
Public Health Institute of Iceland, Laugavegur 116, IS-105 Reykjavik, Iceland.
Magnusardottir
Anna R
AR
Thorgeirsdottir
Holmfridur
H
Hauksson
Arnar
A
Skuladottir
Gudrun V
GV
Steingrimsdottir
Laufey
L
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003060:Cod Liver Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005396:Fish Products / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012044:Regression Analysis
D003060:Cod Liver Oil