Abstract
Linoleic acid, precursor of omega-6, and alpha-linolenic acid, precursor of omega-3, undergo several transformations to form, respectively, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic and docohexaenoic acids. A ratio of 5/1 between linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids intake is recommended. However, the dietary intake of the French population is far from matching this ratio, which is imbalanced in favor of linoleic acid. This omega-3 deficiency, that may play a role in the onset of cancers, cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases, is worsened in physiological situations such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Omega-3 deficiency may enhance the risk of premature delivery and post-partum depression; omega-3 fortification of mother's milk may stimulate visual and cognitive functions in the baby. Pharmacological supplementation might be proposed in pregnant/breastfeeding women.
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