Correlation between intake of fish or supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and early pregnancy plasma concentrations
Authors:   Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali University Hospital and Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland, Tryggvadóttir Ellen A. , Halldórsson Þórhallur I. ,   Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali University Hospital and Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland, Birgisdóttir Bryndís E. ,   Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali University Hospital and Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Icelan, Hrólfsdóttir Laufey ,   Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali University Hospital and Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland, Institution of Health Science Research, University of Akureyri and Akureyri Hospital, Landberg Rikard ,   3Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg-Sweden, Hreiðarsdóttir Ingibjörg Th. ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland Reykjavík, Iceland, Harðardóttir Hildur ,   5Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland Reykjavík, Iceland, Livio Reykjavík, Reproductive Center in Reykjavík, Iceland, Gunnarsdóttir Ingibjörg ,   Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali University Hospital and Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland,Landspitali University hospital; Nutrition Department
Published: May 2022

INTRODUCTION: Long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are considered important for fetal development, but previous studies suggest suboptimal intake in part of pregnant women in Iceland. The study aim was to evaluate intake of food and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, among pregnant women in Iceland and correlations to fatty acid composition in plasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were 853 pregnant women attending their 11-14 weeks ultrasound appointment. Information on intake of food and supplements containing long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) as well as background was obtained by a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for analysis of plasma fatty acids. Correlation was evaluated using the Spearman correlation. RESULTS: Median intake of lean fish was 1.3 times per week, while fatty fish was consumed once monthly. About 50% of the women took omega-3 containing supplements daily. Higher intake of both fish and omega-3 containing supplements was reflected in higher omega-3 plasma levels (r=0.37 p<0.001). A positive correlation was seen between intake of cod liver oil/capsules (r=0.23, p=0.001), omega-3 oil/capsules (r=0.20, p=0.001) and plasma concentration of omega-3. However, no correlation was seen between intake of a maternal multivitamin containing omega-3 and corresponding plasma concentration (r=0.03, p=0.98). CONCLUSION: Intake of food and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids was reflected in plasma concentration, except for an Icelandic maternal multivitamin. One third of the women followed the recommendation of eating fish at least twice weekly. About 50% had a daily intake of supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.