Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids: Effects on growth and neurodevelopment of the fetus and preterm infant. A narrative review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids of the omega-3/omega-6 groups are used in cases of pregnancy, lactation and preterm birth. In recent decades, pediatrics has been trying to find out whether the use of omega-3/omega-6 has effects on human growth and neurodevelopment.  A total of 44 original articles on the topic of omega-3/omega-6 and human growth and nutrition, in gynecology and pediatrics have been selected on PubMed from January 1979 until March 2023.  Significant critical issues emerged regarding published studies, despite encouraging evidence on the usefulness of omega-3/omega-6 used in pregnancy, lactation, states of malnutrition, and inflammatory processes, while data on the efficacy of use in fetal, neonatal, and pediatric patients are conflicting. Critical structural and functional issues emerge in the studies that may call into question the validity of the results. The data are encouraging and suggest that certain aspects of the type of administration and dosages of omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid supplementation should be investigated further to help demonstrate the clinical validity of such prescriptions, especially in terms of gestational maturation, growth, and human nutrition in clinical practice in Gynecology and Pediatrics.