Pregnant Women’s Knowledge and Consumption of Long-chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplements

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the proportion of pregnant women who consumed long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy, and to assess their knowledge of the source and potential health benefits of these supplements.
Methods: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire on the use and knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids was distributed to all pregnant women in the first and third trimesters in the antenatal clinic in a regional hospital in Hong Kong between 1 May 2012 and 31 May 2012.
Results: A total of 254 questionnaires were received. Among those returned questionnaires including response to the use of omega-3 fatty acid, 14 (11%) and 15 (15%) women from the first- and third-trimester groups reported consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during the current pregnancy, respectively. The mean score for knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids for all participants was 7.9/12. For women who were taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, those having completed tertiary education, a monthly income of >HK$30,000, and were Hong Kong residents had significantly better knowledge than the other groups. About 80% of the women would have to get more information on omega-3 fatty acids.
Conclusion: Although there is still a lack of evidence on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy, about one eighth of pregnant women take these supplements despite having only fair understanding of omega-3 fatty acids. Further study is required to confirm the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and better public education in this area is suggested. It is recommended that medical professionals provide more information on nutritional supplements to pregnant women.