e-Library of Evidence for Nutrition Actions (eLENA)


An online library of evidence-informed guidelines for nutrition interventions and single point of reference for the latest nutrition guidelines, recommendations and related information.

Alternate Text All interventions

Marine oil supplementation during pregnancy

Intervention | Last updated: 17 April 2023


n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may help regulate a number of biological processes including those that are important during pregnancy and delivery.

Marine foods are rich sources of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and evidence from observational studies has suggested a potential association between consumption of marine foods during pregnancy and reduced risk of certain adverse health outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight.

Current evidence suggests that supplementation with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with a reduced risk of preterm delivery and modest increase in birth weight, however further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.

WHO Recommendations


Further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.

Guidelines and guidance documents Learn More Alternate Text


GRC-approved guidelines


Status: Not currently available

Evidence


Related Cochrane reviews


Omega‐3 fatty acid addition during pregnancy

Middleton P, Gomersall JC, Gould JF, Shepherd E, Olsen SF, Makrides M. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018; Issue 11. Art. No.: CD003402.


Other related systematic reviews


Effect of n-3 Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake during Pregnancy on Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Imhoff-Kunsch B, Briggs V, Goldenberg T and Ramakrishnan U. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 2012; 26:91–107.


Cost-effectiveness Learn More Alternate Text


Relevant cost-effectiveness analyses have not yet been identified.