Child Health
Prenatal supplements largely lack the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent preterm birth − new research
Mary J. Scourboutakos, Eastern Virginia Medical School
Most prenatal supplements lack the amount of omega-3 fatty acids that could help prevent preterm birth, meaning delivery before 37 weeks’ gestation. This is a key finding of a new study, published by my team, in the American Journal of Perinatology.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are found largely in fatty fish. They help prevent inflammation and, by doing so, decrease the risk of preterm birth.
Our study, however, showed that roughly 1 in 6 prenatal supplements on the market in the U.S. that contain omega-3 fatty acids provide the amount that is needed by most pregnant women.
My colleagues and I used the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Supplement Label Database to identify prenatal supplements that contained omega-3 fatty acids. We then compared the stated amount of omega-3s on the product labels with the recommended amounts in the new guidelines published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine by a team of experts representing international obstetric and child health organizations.
The guidelines recommend different doses of omega-3 fatty acids depending on whether a woman’s baseline intake prior to pregnancy was adequate or inadequate.
We found that 70% of the prenatal supplements that contained omega-3s provided the amount that is recommended for women with adequate intakes. However, previous research has shown that only 5% of pregnant women and women of childbearing age consume adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, for women with insufficient intakes, a prenatal supplement with a higher amount of omega-3s would be helpful.
Why it matters
Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality worldwide. It is also the leading cause of infant illnesses that lead to costly stays in neonatal intensive care units. And then there is the heavy emotional toll that it has on parents and families.
Preterm birth also significantly increases a child’s risk for long-term health consequences such as intellectual disability, chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes and psychiatric illness in adulthood.
Yet there are few treatment options for preterm birth.
This is where omega-3 fatty acids come in. They lower risk of preterm birth by decreasing production of the signaling molecules that kick-start labor.
A Cochrane review of 26 randomized controlled trials demonstrated that 1,000 milligrams of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids per day can decrease risk of preterm birth by 11%, and risk of early preterm birth – delivery before 34 weeks’ gestation – by 42%.
Considering that prenatal supplements often don’t contain the required amount of omega-3s, one option is to simply take an additional omega-3 supplement alongside a prenatal vitamin to supply the difference and obtain the benefit.
Nevertheless, omega-3 supplements are not always necessary. The new guidelines recommend that all women of childbearing age should consume 250 milligrams of omega-3s per day. This amount can be obtained from roughly two 3-ounce servings per week of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies.
When women increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids prior to pregnancy, the recommended intake levels during pregnancy are lower. This is a way to eliminate the need for supplements in the first place.
However, women of childbearing age must also consider levels of mercury in fish because of its adverse effects on fetal neurodevelopment. While most species of salmon are low in mercury, certain fish that are rich in omega-3s can be moderately high in mercury. It’s important to consult local public health guidelines on mercury levels in fish to ensure safe consumption levels.
What still isn’t known
Omega-3 fatty acids are chemically unstable molecules that are inherently fragile, and thus prone to oxidation, a process whereby oxygen degrades the molecule, rendering it ineffective. Studies have shown wide variation in the oxidation levels in commercial omega-3 supplements. Worse yet, there are few predictors of omega-3 supplement quality.
Nevertheless, despite their high risk for oxidation, commercially available omega-3 supplements have exhibited demonstrable benefits in clinical trials.
What’s next
Taking into consideration the inconsistent levels of omega-3 fatty acids in prenatal supplements, their instability and the potential for dietary sources prior to pregnancy offsetting the need for supplements, more research is needed to understand how to motivate increased omega-3 intakes in women of childbearing age.
Recognizing that many women will still require omega-3s from supplemental sources, longitudinal studies tracking omega-3 levels in prenatal supplements will be crucial.
In addition, ongoing efforts are needed to foster the translation of this information into clinical settings to ensure that pregnant women, and the health care professionals who care for them, are able to make use of the great potential for omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of preterm birth.
The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
Mary J. Scourboutakos, Family Medicine Resident and Nutrition Expert, Eastern Virginia Medical School
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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The two organizations will partner to foster healthy habits in young children and their families by offering free resources and videos and “Sesamatized” spaces
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Today, Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, and NewYork-Presbyterian announced a partnership to improve health outcomes for young children by supporting their physical and emotional well-being through joyful learning moments engaging parents, caregivers, and community providers. Sesame Workshop is collaborating with NewYork-Presbyterian’s physicians and community partners on a social impact and mass media campaign featuring videos, educational materials, and “Sesamatized” physical spaces, to promote children’s health.
The partnership is launching with a six-part video series titled “Ask a Doctor,” featuring Sesame Street Muppets and NewYork-Presbyterian physicians. The videos are designed to educate and empower parents and caregivers on how to help young children stay healthy. They will cover topics including how to develop healthy sleep habits, deal with food allergies, and prepare for wellness visits. The series can be found on Sesame Workshop’s YouTube channel and will be available on NewYork-Presbyterian’s internal patient entertainment system.
“We are delighted to partner with NewYork-Presbyterian in our shared commitment to equity and health justice,” said Jeanette Betancourt, Ed.D., Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact at Sesame Workshop. “Our collaboration allows us to combine our expertise in healthcare, child development, and family and community engagement to make an impactful difference in the lives of those who need it most. In fostering healthy practices, especially in the early years, in ways that incorporate the perspectives and needs of parents and caregivers along with their community support networks, we are all working together to pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future.”
“We are thrilled to work with Sesame Workshop to empower parents and caregivers with important health information and meet families where they are,” said Dr. Deepa Kumaraiah, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian. “Through fun learning moments that support the health and well-being of young people in our communities, we can help reduce health disparities and work toward health justice.”
A key focus of the partnership is a collaboration between Sesame Workshop and NewYork-Presbyterian’s neighboring community partners. Sesame Workshop will create educational materials with input from the children and caregivers in the communities NewYork-Presbyterian serves. Among the resources that will be available are bilingual Muppet videos, storybooks, parent guides, and activity books. “Sesamatized” physical spaces including décor featuring Sesame Street Muppets will open in the second half of 2025. The materials will be available where children and their families are, including community centers and NewYork-Presbyterian’s hospitals and clinics.
Additionally, two videos, featuring Elmo, Gabrielle, and other Sesame Street friends, that celebrate everyone of all hair and fur types complement NewYork-Presbyterian’s Dalio Center for Health Justice’s Crown Hair Care program, an initiative to provide inclusive hair care kits for pediatric and obstetric patients with curly, coiled, or tightly textured hair. These are also featured on NewYork-Presbyterian’s patient entertainment system.
About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
About NewYork-Presbyterian
NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, encompassing 10 hospitals across the Greater New York area, nearly 200 primary and specialty care clinics and medical groups, and an array of telemedicine services.
A leader in medical education, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is affiliated with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. This collaboration means patients have access to the country’s leading physicians, the full range of medical specialties, latest innovations in care, and research that is developing cures and saving lives.
Founded 250 years ago, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has a long legacy of medical breakthroughs and innovation, from the invention of the Pap test to pioneering the groundbreaking heart valve replacement procedure called TAVR.
NewYork-Presbyterian’s 50,000 employees and affiliated physicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care to New Yorkers and patients from across the country and around the world.
For more information, visit www.nyp.org and find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
SOURCE NewYork-Presbyterian
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(Family Features) Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is important during pregnancy. This is especially true during the winter months when more people tend to get sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These viruses can be especially dangerous for pregnant people and babies.
Vaccines are an important part of routine pregnancy care, both for you and your baby. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 can cut your risk of hospitalization by about half.
Now is the time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Flu vaccines help protect you from getting the flu and getting seriously ill, so it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment now. The latest COVID-19 vaccines are important too because they lower your risk of serious illness. An RSV vaccine may also be recommended for when you are 32-36 weeks pregnant. Be sure to talk to your doctor.
“Right now, we are seeing a concerning increase in cases of respiratory diseases, such as the flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” said Adm. Rachel Levin, MD, assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “I encourage all pregnant people to take preventive action to protect their health and the health of their baby. The best and safest way to do this is to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is easy and is usually covered by insurance.”
Help Protect Your Baby
When you get flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, you’re helping protect your baby by passing your immunity on to them. Getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV during pregnancy can protect your baby during the first 6 months of life. These viruses can be very harmful to newborns. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants
Talk to Your Doctor About Timing
Millions of people in the U.S. have already gotten vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV this season. If you haven’t gotten your vaccines yet, be sure to talk with your doctor. They can help you choose the right vaccines and determine the best timing to help protect you and your baby.
Get the Facts
Getting vaccinated can give you peace of mind, ensuring you have done everything you can to protect yourself and your baby from serious respiratory illness. Information can give you power and comfort, especially when you’re pregnant.
Go to cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, or go to vaccines.gov to get started today.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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health and wellness
What Pregnant People Need to Know About Vaccines for a Healthy New Year
The New Year brings hope for pregnant individuals, emphasizing health and preventing respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV through vaccination, which benefits both mother and infant.
(Family Features) A new year can bring feelings of hope and optimism. This can be especially true for pregnant people as they look forward to the arrival of their baby. Keeping themselves and their baby healthy is also a great New Year’s goal, and in the colder months, that means avoiding respiratory illnesses. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV – which are common in many parts of the country right now – can become severe, sometimes requiring hospital care.
Vaccines are the best protection against severe respiratory illness. They cut your risk of being in the hospital for flu or COVID-19 by about half and for RSV by about 70%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines help pregnant people risk less severe illness and focus on preparing for their new baby.
How do vaccines protect pregnant people and babies?
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV can be very harmful to infants, especially in their first 6 months of life. Infants are at higher risk for serious flu-related illness and are hospitalized for COVID-19 at about the same rate as adults ages 65-74. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization.
Getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 during your pregnancy can provide protection from serious respiratory illness for both you and for your infant in their first 6 months. Your immunity is passed along to your baby before birth.
An RSV vaccine during pregnancy can also protect your baby from severe RSV in their first 6 months. An RSV vaccine is recommended during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy if that period falls from September through January when RSV is more common.
It is safe for a pregnant person to get these vaccines at the same time. Any side effects from the vaccines are usually mild and go away on their own in a few days.
Get vaccinated for a healthy new year
Talk to your doctor or visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Find a pharmacy near you at vaccines.gov. You can also order free COVID-19 test kits (up to four per household) at COVIDTests.gov.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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