Published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal, this study looked at whether taking extra omega-3 supplements during pregnancy, on top of standard prenatal vitamins, was linked to healthier birth outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from more than 9,400 first-time pregnant women in the United States. Most took only prenatal vitamins, while about 13 percent also took omega-3 supplements such as fish oil or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The researchers compared how often babies were born too early (before 37 weeks) or were smaller than expected for their stage of development. They found that women who took both prenatal vitamins and omega-3 supplements had fewer premature births and fewer small babies than those who took prenatal vitamins alone.
After taking into account differences such as age, income, education, body weight, and medical history, the results were still similar. Women who used omega-3 supplements were about one-third less likely to have a premature baby or a baby who was unusually small. Their babies were also less likely to have breathing problems after birth.
To learn more about the importance and benefits of micronutrients during pregnancy, read parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.
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February 6, 2026Omega-3 Plus Prenatal Vitamins May Slash Preterm Birth Risk
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Adding omega-3 supplements to a prenatal multivitamin regimen may reduce the odds of a preterm birth by over 30 percent, says a new study.
[Source: nutraingredients.com]
[Image source: Freepik.com]
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Published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal, this study looked at whether taking extra omega-3 supplements during pregnancy, on top of standard prenatal vitamins, was linked to healthier birth outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from more than 9,400 first-time pregnant women in the United States. Most took only prenatal vitamins, while about 13 percent also took omega-3 supplements such as fish oil or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The researchers compared how often babies were born too early (before 37 weeks) or were smaller than expected for their stage of development. They found that women who took both prenatal vitamins and omega-3 supplements had fewer premature births and fewer small babies than those who took prenatal vitamins alone.
After taking into account differences such as age, income, education, body weight, and medical history, the results were still similar. Women who used omega-3 supplements were about one-third less likely to have a premature baby or a baby who was unusually small. Their babies were also less likely to have breathing problems after birth.
To learn more about the importance and benefits of micronutrients during pregnancy, read parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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