Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fecundation, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Abstract

Long-chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as the eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, have been linked to human health in all stages of life, from fetal development to aging. These PUFAs act as precursors for various metabolites involved in the prevention of certain diseases. The recognizable effects of these supplements prior to pregnancy (oocyte maturation), during pregnancy (improvement in the risk of premature delivery, among others) and in the offspring (in terms of cognitive function and the approach to neurodevelopmental disorders) are described in the present narrative review. We concluded that the diffusion of these supplements may improve the prognosis of these patients in a simple, effective way, and with high safety rates.

Resumo

Os ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPIs) ômega-3 (n-3) de cadeia longa, como os ácidos eicosapentaenoico e docosa-hexaenoico, têm sido associados à saúde humana em todas as etapas da vida, do desenvolvimento fetal ao envelhecimento. Esses AGPIs atuam como precursores de vários metabólitos envolvidos na prevenção de algumas doenças. Os efeitos reconhecíveis desses suplementos antes da gravidez (maturação dos oócitos), durante a gravidez (melhora do risco de parto prematuro, entre outros) e nos descendentes (em termos de função cognitiva e abordagem dos distúrbios do neurodesenvolvimento) são apresentados nesta revisão narrativa. Concluiu-se que a difusão desses suplementos pode melhorar o prognóstico desses pacientes de maneira simples, eficaz, e com altas taxas de segurança.

Keywords

omega-3 - eicosapentaenoic acid - docosahexaenoic acid - pregnancy - breastfeeding

Palavras-chave

ômega 3 - ácido eicosapentaenoico - ácido docosa-hexanoico - gravidez - amamentação

Contributions

Both authors have contributed to the design of the study, as well as to the data collection and interpretation, and revision of contents, and they have approved this final version.

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