Docosahexaenoic Acid and Preterm Birth
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Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. DHA can be synthesized from a-linolenic acid or directly derived from maternal milk (breast milk), cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, fish oil, or algae oil. DHA has mechanisms that may help reduce the risk of premature birth, smaller for gestational age infants, and preeclampsia. Pregnant women should receive at least 200 mg of DHA per day. Several studies have found that low plasma DHA levels during pregnancy increase the risk of premature birth, and DHA supplementation during pregnancy (1,000 mg per day) has been shown to be effective in preventing premature birth and early preterm delivery in cases of low DHA levels.
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