Title:Prenatal Supplementation of Docosahexaenoic Acid for the Management
of Preterm Births: Clinical Information for Practice
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Author(s): Shubham Thakur, Ritika Sharma and Subheet Kumar Jain*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
- Centre for Basic and Translational Research in Health Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India.
Keywords:
Cognitive disorders, docosahexaenoic acid, dose recommendation, eicosapentaenoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, preterm birth, prenatal supplementation.
Abstract: Unhealthy pregnancy and the resultant abnormalities in newborns exhibit a significant
drawback. Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely, accounting for the majority
of deaths among children under the age of 5. India accounts for about a quarter of all preterm
birth (PTB) incidences, with few therapeutic options available. However, research shows that consuming
more marine foods (rich in omega-3 fatty acids (Ω-3), particularly Docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA), helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy and can manage or prevent the onset of PTB and its
accompanying difficulties. Present circumstances raise concerns about the use of DHA as a medication
due to a lack of evidence on the dosage requirements, safety profile, molecular route, and
commercially accessible strength for their therapeutic response. Several clinical experiments have
been done over the last decade; however, the mixed outcomes have resulted in discrepancies. Most
scientific organizations suggest a daily DHA consumption of 250-300 mg. However, this may differ
from person to person. As a result, before prescribing a dosage, one should check the DHA concentrations
in the individual's blood and then propose a dose that will benefit both the mother and the
unborn. Thus, the review focuses on the favourable benefits of Ω-3, particularly DHA during pregnancy
and postpartum, therapeutic dose recommendations, safety considerations, particularly during
pregnancy, and the mechanistic pathway that might prevent or reduce the frequency of PTB accidents.
