Maternal long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status and pregnancy complications

Abstract Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in influencing fetal growth and birth outcome. Any nutritional insult starting several weeks before pregnancy and during critical periods of gestation is known to influence fetal development and increase the risk for diseases during later life. Literature suggests that chronic adult diseases may have their origin during early life – a concept referred to as Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) which states that adverse exposures early in life “program” risks for later chronic disorders. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), mainly omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are known to have an effect on fetal programming. The placental supply of optimal levels of LCPUFA to the fetus during early life is extremely important for the normal growth and development of both placenta and fetus. Any alteration in placental development will result in adverse pregnancy outcome such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). A disturbed materno-fetal LCPUFA supply is known to be linked with each of these pathologies. Further, a disturbed LCPUFA metabolism is reported to be associated with a number of metabolic disorders. It is likely that LCPUFA supplementation during early pregnancy may be beneficial in improving the health of the mother, improving birth outcome and thereby reducing the risk of diseases in later life.