Prenatal supplements largely lack the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent preterm birth − new research

Few women of childbearing age consume adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Caroline Purser/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Most prenatal supplements lack the amount of omega-3 fatty acids that could help prevent preterm birth, meaning delivery before 37 weeks’ gestation. This is a key finding of a new study, published by my team, in the American Journal of Perinatology.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are found largely in fatty fish. They help prevent inflammation and, by doing so, decrease the risk of preterm birth.