Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on child and maternal health.

Authors' objectives The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the scientific medical literature to identify, appraise and synthesize the evidence of omega-3 fatty acids in child and maternal health. Evidence was sought to investigate a series of questions regarding the influence of the omega-3 fatty acid intake (supplemented during pregnancy) on the duration of gestation, incidence of preeclampsia, eclapmsia or gestational hypertension (GHT), and incidence of infants small for gestational age (SGA), as well as the association between the maternal biomarkers during pregnancy and the pregnancy outcomes outlined above. The influence of the omega-3 fatty acid intake (supplemented or breast milk) on the developmental outcomes in preterm and term infants, such was growth, neurocognitive development and visual function, were also investigated, as well as the association between the maternal, fetal or childs biomarkers and these clinical outcomes. The impact of effect modifiers was also examined, as well as the safety profile. The results will be used to inform a research agenda.

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