Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Polyunsaturated and Trans Fatty Acids During Pregnancy and Offspring Weight Development

Xuan Ren, Birgitta Lind Vilhjálmsdóttir, Jeanett Friis Rohde, Karen Christina Walker, Suzanne Elizabeth Runstedt, Lotte Lauritzen, Berit Lilienthal Heitmann, Ina Olmer Specht

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and trans fatty acids (TFAs) may have an impact on offspring weight development. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines to evaluate whether levels of these fatty acids during pregnancy influenced offspring weight development. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with DHA and/or EPA supplementation or cohort studies, which examined levels of DHA, EPA, or TFAs in maternal or neonatal blood samples and recorded offspring weight, were included. Overall, 27 RCTs and 14 observational studies were identified. The results showed that DHA and/or EPA supplementation doses >650 mg/day resulted in slightly higher birth weight (MD 87.5 g, 95% CI 52.3-122.6, n = 3,831) and combined BMI and BMI z score at 5-10 years (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.18, n = 3,220). These results were rated as moderate quality. Results from the observational studies were generally inconsistent. High TFA levels during pregnancy seemed to be associated with lower birth weight. Finally, this review and meta-analysis supports a relationship between high maternal or neonatal DHA and/or EPA levels and higher offspring birth weight and weight in childhood. More high-quality long-term studies are still needed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number625596
JournalFrontiers in nutrition
Volume8
Pages (from-to)625596
ISSN2296-861X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • birth weight
  • BMI in childhood
  • infant
  • N-3 LCPUFA
  • pregnancy
  • TFA
  • weight in childhood

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