Omega-3 Levels in Prenatal Supplements

Abstract:

Objective: This study aimed to systematically document the reported omega-3 levels in commercially available prenatal supplements in the United States and Canada, and compare these levels to recommended intakes in pregnancy.

Study design: 

Commercial prenatal supplements were identified using the Dietary Supplement Label Database (n = 50) and the Licensed Natural Health Products Database (n = 18). Mean omega-3 levels and the proportion of products meeting recommendations for pregnant women were tabulated.

Results: 

Average omega-3 levels were 368 ± 33 mg in the United States and 404 ± 72 mg in Canada. Seventy percent of products in the United States and 61% in Canada contained the amount of omega-3 levels recommended for pregnant women with sufficient intakes. Sixteen percent of products in the United States and 28% in Canada contained the dose recommended for pregnant women with insufficient intakes.

Conclusion: 

These results illustrate that commercial prenatal supplements contain a wide variety of omega-3 fatty acid levels that may or may not be consistent with recommended intake levels.

Key points: 

· most pregnant women consume inadequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids..
· omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent preterm birth..
· new guidelines recommend increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy..
· prenatal supplements contain a wide variety of omega-3 fatty acid levels..
· omega-3 levels in prenatal supplements may or may not be consistent with recommended intake levels..