Omega-3 index in pregnant women in Latvia

Studies show that omega 3 fatty acids are vitally important for both: the infant for development of the nervous system and retina and for the mother - reduces risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes and prevents perinatal depression. The aim of this study is to analyse omega-3 fatty acid status in Latvian women during pregnancy. The study has been implemented within the frame of the project LZP Nr. lzp-2019/1-0335 funded by Latvian Council of Science. A cross-sectional survey of 144 pregnant women in 3rd trimester and women with singleton birth until 7th day post-partum. Data was obtained using questionnaire and medical documentation. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to WHO recommendations. Blood samples were taken for measuring omega-3 index: relative eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentration in erythrocyte fatty acid. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26.0. The mean age: 31.4 (SD 5.1) years; 33.3% were at age under 30; 57.5% were in age group 30-39; and 6.2% older than 40. The mean BMI 23.9 (SD 3.6) kg/m2. The omega-3 index was from 2.3% to 9.4%, median was 5.7 (IQR 4.9-6.5)%. Omega-3 index <8% was detected in 96.5% (n=139), 8-11% in 3,5% (n=5) women. In summer omega-3 index in all participants was <8%, median was 5.2 (IQR 4.6-6.2)%, in fall omega-3 index was >8% in only 6.8% of the participants, median was 5.9 (IQR 5.4-6.6)%. Statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between omega-3 levels in summer and fall. There is no statistically significant correlation between omega-3 index and age or BMI. Omega-3 fatty index was low in this study population. In fall omega-3 index was higher than in summer. To evaluate omega intake from food and supplements as well as evaluating impact of other factors to omega-3 status further studies are needed.