Tolerability of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in perinatal women.
BACKGROUND
Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in perinatal women are well documented, although fish intake has declined among perinatal women.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the tolerability of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in perinatal women.


METHODS
Pregnant and postpartum women with major depressive disorder (MDD) entered an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids. Four capsules provided 1.84 g/day of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or matching placebo (corn oil with 1% fish oil to maintain blind). Tolerability was assessed by clinician interview biweekly.


RESULTS
Fifty-nine women enrolled. Thirteen (22%) reported mainly transient side effects including dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, burping, heartburn/reflux, difficulty swallowing capsules, unpleasant breath/bad taste or feeling tired. The most common were unpleasant breath/bad taste and heartburn/reflux. Six reporting side effects received omega-3 fatty acids; seven received placebo. Neither pregnant nor postpartum women discontinued due to intolerability.


CONCLUSIONS
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements were well tolerated by perinatal women.
Freeman
Marlene P
MP
Women's Mental Health Center, Department of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas--Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 6363 Forest Park, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75235 9086, USA. marlene.freeman@utsouthwestern.edu
Sinha
Priti
P
D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils