Higher omega-3 index and DHA status in pregnant women compared to lactating women - Results from a German nation-wide cross-sectional study.
During pregnancy and lactation, there is a high need of long-chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for fetus and infant. Also, a low LC n-3 PUFA status during pregnancy is associated with postpartum depression. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the LC n-3 PUFA status in German women during pregnancy and lactation.



As a part of a nationwide cross-sectional study in which the nutrient status of women in different stages of life was determined, 213 pregnant (≥27th week of gestation) and 127 lactating women between 18 and 44 years were evaluated regarding their LC n-3 PUFA status by measuring the omega-3 index (relative eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA concentration in erythrocyte fatty acid).



The mean omega-3 index of the total study population was 6.23±1.48%. Pregnant women showed significant (p≤0.001) higher omega-3 index values (6.40±1.31%) and DHA concentrations (5.91±1.23%) than lactating women (omega-3 index: 5.50±1.34%; DHA: 4.79±1.27%). Woman with LC n-3 PUFA supplementation showed higher omega-3 index values (7.73±1.28%) vs. women without supplementation (6.04±1.39%, p≤0.001). Week of pregnancy, month of lactation as well as smoking were negatively associated with the omega-3 index.



Comprehensive data on the long-term LC n-3 PUFA status of German women during pregnancy and lactation are presented. To evaluate an optimal maternal omega-3 index in view of the fetal and infant development further studies are needed.
Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany. Electronic address: gellert@nutrition.uni-hannover.de.
Sandra
S
Gellert
Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.
Jan Philipp
JP
Schuchardt
Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.
Andreas
A
Hahn
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood*; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid
DHA; Germany; LC n-3 PUFA; Lactation; Omega-3 index; Pregnancy