title: Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation during pregnancy.
abstract: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and can only be obtained from the diet. The requirements during pregnancy have not been established, but likely exceed that of a nonpregnant state. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for fetal neurodevelopment and may be important for the timing of gestation and birth weight as well. Most pregnant women likely do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids because the major dietary source, seafood, is restricted to 2 servings a week. For pregnant women to obtain adequate omega-3 fatty acids, a variety of sources should be consumed: vegetable oils, 2 low-mercury fish servings a week, and supplements (fish oil or algae-based docosahexaenoic acid).
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.forename: Stacey J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Wendy Van
authors.initials: WV
authors.lastname: Ausdal