title: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in perinatal settings.
abstract: The purpose of this article is (a) to explain the role of omega-3 fatty acids in human health, specifically in fetal/neonatal development, (b) to summarize the recent research behind the innovations in infant formula manufacturing and advertisement of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for pregnant and lactating mothers, and (c) to relate the research findings to clinical practice. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in perinatal settings is discussed here from three vantage points: (a) supplementation of the third-trimester pregnant woman to enhance fetal development, (b) supplementation of the lactating mother to enhance development of the breastfeeding infant, and (c) supplementation of infant formulas to enhance development of the bottle-feeding infant. Supplementation can occur by increasing one's intake of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids or by ingesting fatty acid nutritional supplements. The challenge of supplementation for vegan and vegetarian women is also addressed.
authors.affiliation: The Birthplace Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center, Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport, PA, USA. hrblanchard@suscom.net
authors.forename: Dawn S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Blanchard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian / Q000009:adverse effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005399:Fishes; D006801:Humans; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000737:chemistry; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D016389:Maternal-Child Nursing / Q000379:methods; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3