Abstract
A number of trials have been undertaken to assess whether the intake of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) during pregnancy can influence the neurological development of the offspring, yet no consensus from these trials has been reached. We aimed to investigate the long-term effects (12 years) of fish oil supplementation in pregnancy on neurodevelopment, including cognition, language and fine motor skills. In a follow up of a previously published randomised controlled trial of 98 pregnant women, their children were assessed at 12 years of age using a battery of neurodevelopmental assessments. Fifty participants were assessed at 12 years, with 25 participant’s mothers receiving fish oil supplementation, and 25 receiving control capsules. There were no significant differences for any of the assessment measures completed. Our data indicate that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy does not influence the cognition, language or fine motor skills of children in late primary school (12 years of age).
Highlights
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) are thought to be essential for normal neurological development, and are derived from the mother during gestation and breastfeeding
LCPUFA during pregnancy can influence the neurological development of the offspring, yet no consensus from these trials has been reached
We report the neurodevelopmental outcomes of this cohort at 12 years. This represents the longest follow-up of a maternal n-3 LCPUFA supplementation study to date
Summary
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) are thought to be essential for normal neurological development, and are derived from the mother during gestation and breastfeeding. Our previous randomized controlled trial, in which pregnant women were allocated to receive fish oil capsules (2.2 g DHA, 1.1 g EPA per day) or olive oil from 20 weeks gestation until delivery of their baby, demonstrated that children born of mothers randomised to the fish oil group had statistically significantly higher hand-eye coordination at 21⁄2 years when compared to controls [1]. We report the neurodevelopmental outcomes of this cohort at 12 years. This represents the longest follow-up of a maternal n-3 LCPUFA supplementation study to date. At this stage of individual development psychometric test data offer greater predictive value with respect to future adult performance
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