PublicationOmega-3 fatty acids: essential fatty acids for mother and child health

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Linoleic acid, a precursor to omega-6 fatty acids, and alpha-linolenic acid, a precursor to omega-3 fatty acids, undergo different metabolic steps to form arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, respectively. A 5:1 ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid intake is recommended. However, this ratio is not met in the diet of the French population, which is significantly richer in omega-6 than in omega-3 fatty acids. This deficiency, suspected of contributing to the development of certain cancers and cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases, is exacerbated in women in certain physiological situations with a sharp increase in needs, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Omega-3 deficiency may be linked in mothers to an increased risk of premature birth and postpartum depression. Enriching breast milk with omega-3 fatty acids may promote visual and cognitive function in infants. Pharmacological supplementation could be offered during this period.
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, which 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 postpartum 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.