Early DHA Supplementation in Pregnancy Key to Reducing Preterm Birth Risk, Study Finds
Thailand: A recent multicenter randomized controlled trial has highlighted the importance of early docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy in reducing the risk of preterm birth. The findings suggest that while taking DHA after a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor does not significantly lower preterm birth rates, starting supplementation early in pregnancy—preferably in the first trimester—can help prevent premature delivery. The findings were published online in the International Journal of Women's Health on February 4, 2025.
Preterm birth, occurring before 37 weeks of gestation, affects 4–16% of pregnancies globally. In Thailand, the preterm birth rate in 2022 was 12.6%, prompting efforts to reduce it below 9%. Infections and inflammation contribute to preterm labor. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, support fetal brain development and may prolong pregnancy. Studies show DHA supplementation reduces preterm birth risk, with the FDA recommending at least 200 mg daily during pregnancy. Research suggests that DHA’s anti-inflammatory properties influence pregnancy duration, but data on its effects in threatened preterm labor remain limited, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Considering this, Wiphawi Phattharachindanuwong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, and colleagues aimed to compare preterm birth rates between individuals with threatened preterm labor who received DHA supplementation and those who did not.
For this purpose, the researchers conducted a multi-center, randomized controlled trial with 60 participants. Pregnant individuals diagnosed with threatened preterm labor between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation were assigned either 1000 mg of DHA daily or no DHA. Only singleton pregnancies without cervical changes were included. DHA supplementation continued until 37 weeks or delivery. The study aimed to compare preterm birth rates between groups and assess neonatal outcomes and potential side effects of DHA.
The key findings of the study were as follows:
- Sixty-one pregnant individuals were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups.
- Group 1 (30 participants) received a daily 1,000 mg DHA supplement, while Group 2 (31 participants) did not receive DHA.
- The preterm birth rate was 23.33% (7/30) in the DHA group and 25.81% (8/31) in the non-DHA group.
- The rate of low-birth-weight neonates was 13.33% (4/30) in the DHA group and 19.35% (6/31) in the non-DHA group.
- There were no statistically significant differences in preterm birth rates, neonatal outcomes, cesarean section rates, peripartum infections, postpartum hemorrhage, or NICU admissions.
"The findings indicate that taking DHA supplements after a diagnosis of threatened preterm pregnancy does not significantly reduce early or late preterm birth rates. To effectively lower the risk of premature birth, DHA supplementation should begin early in pregnancy, ideally in the first trimester, and no later than 20 weeks of gestation," the authors stated. They further highlighted that "expert reviews emphasize the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids, recommending a daily intake of 600 to 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA or DHA alone, continuing until childbirth or approximately 37 weeks of gestation."
Reference:
Phattharachindanuwong W, Chaiyarach S, Komwilaisak R, Saksiriwuttho P, Duangkum C, Kongwattanakul K, Kleebkaow P, Waidee T, Pongsamakthai M, Chantanavilai S, Srisataporn T. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Supplementation During Pregnancy Reduces the Risk of Preterm Birth in Threatened Preterm Labor. The Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Womens Health. 2025;17:937-945. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S518312
