Writing in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers from China assessed the effects of omega-3 supplementation on longitudinal lipid levels during pregnancy in 105 women, compared to a control group of 274 participants.
"[Our study] provides new evidence for the use of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy to prevent hyperlipidemia and extends the population to women with a history of pregnancy losses, a high-risk group for lipid abnormalities," the researchers wrote.
Results showed that daily supplementation with a soft gel capsule containing 465 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ethyl ester and 375 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ethyl ester, decreased triglyceride levels in this population.
Miscarriage and cardiovascular health
Miscarriage affects approximately 23 million individuals annually and has been associated with heighten hyperlipidemia risk, a condition of elevated lipid levels. This can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and trigger cardiovascular issues, with previous studies demonstrating increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with a history of pregnancy loss.
While common lipid-lowering drugs like statins are avoided during pregnancy due to safety concerns, omega-3 fatty acids are presented as a safe and effective alternative to reduce triglycerides and increase beneficial cholesterol levels.
As the researchers explained, omega-3 fatty acids can restrain the production and release of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, while also enhancing the clearance of triglycerides in both VLDL and chylomicrons by upregulating enzymes like lipoprotein lipase (LPL).
“However, this high-risk population has not received much attention in the literature,” they noted, highlighting the importance of including women who have suffered pregnancy loss in research studies.
Omega-3s during pregnancy
The retrospective longitudinal study divided participants with previous pregnancy losses into an omega-3 or control group. Women in the omega-3 group had started supplementation between three and 18 weeks of gestation.
The researchers assessed the effects on longitudinal lipid levels—triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)—using generalized estimating equations (GEE).
"Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may significantly reduce TG levels, yet it does not seem to improve TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C levels in pregnant women with previous pregnancy losses," they reported.
Results also showed that the decrease in triglycerides was more significant in women 35 years and younger and with a normal body mass index (BMI), fewer pregnancy losses and higher education levels.
“Our research may have implications for lipid regulation during pregnancy and the healthy pregnancy of women who unfortunately experienced pregnancy losses,” the authors concluded.
They noted that future research should account for detailed data on supplementation duration and “include stringent dietary assessments to distinguish the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation from other dietary influences.”
Journal: Frontiers in Nutrition
doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1439599
“Impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on lipid levels in pregnant women with previous pregnancy losses: a retrospective longitudinal study.”
Authors: Mu, F. et al.