Omega-3 fatty acids reduces risk of premature birth: study

667

CANBERRA, Nov. 16, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – Australian researchers have found
that increasing intake of fatty acids during pregnancy can reduce the risk of
a premature birth.

The study, published by the South Australian Health and Medical Research
Institute (SAHMRI) on Friday, revealed that daily omega-3 supplementation
reduced the risk of birth before 37 weeks by 11 percent.

It was also found to reduce the risk of birth before 34 weeks of pregnancy
by 42 percent.

Omega-3 refers to a group of three fatty acids that are commonly found in
marine oils. Previous studies have dismissed claims that dietary
supplementation with omega-3 acids increases the risk of cancer or heart
disease.

“This is an extremely promising finding because we now have strong evidence
that omega-3 supplements are a simple and cost-effective intervention to
prevent premature birth, which we know has serious health implications,”
Maria Makrides, lead author of the study and deputy director of SAHMRI, said
in a media release on Friday.

“Premature birth complications are the leading cause of death for children
under five years of age.

“Premature babies are at greater risk of chronic issues with their
respiratory, immune and digestive systems and they’re more susceptible to
problems with speech, social skills, learning and behavior.”

According to the study, the benefits were greatest when women expecting a
baby began taking a daily dose of omega-3s 12 weeks into their pregnancy.

“A large number of women already take omega-3 supplements during pregnancy
since they’re found in a number of over-the-counter pregnancy supplements,”
Makrides said.

“By increasing their omega-3 intake, women can give themselves the best
chance of carrying their baby to full term of 40 weeks.

“Even a few extra days in the womb can make a substantial difference when
it comes to your baby’s health.”