New NIH fact sheet highlights critical role of omega-3 pregnancy supplements in reducing preterm birth

Summary 

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements has officially recognized omega-3 supplementation as a critical nutrient needed during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of preterm birth.
• A growing body of scientific evidence supporting these recommendations includes a landmark Cochrane review showing the risk of preterm births was reduced by 11% and early preterm births by 42% in women supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids,¹ and an Expert Panel's global guidelines on omega-3 intake before and during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of preterm and early preterm birth.²
• Most pregnant women in the United States have omega-3 intakes below recommended levels,³ creating an opportunity for sustainable, algal-based DHA supplements that can effectively bridge this nutritional gap while supporting environmental stewardship.

Preterm birth—delivery before 37 weeks—remains a leading cause of infant mortality and long-term health complications.⁴ Evidence has shown that women who have low DHA intake or status early in pregnancy are at an increased risk of having a preterm birth compared to women with adequate intakes.⁵

In a significant step forward for pregnancy care, the NIH has officially recognized omega-3 supplementation as a strategy to reduce preterm birth risk. For expectant mothers concerned about delivering too early—a complication affecting 1 in 10 pregnancies worldwide—this new guidance offers evidence-based hope and actionable recommendations.³

The NIH has endorsed omega-3 supplementation for preventing preterm birth

The newly released NIH factsheet recommends that women of childbearing age consume at least 250 mg of DHA plus EPA daily, with an additional 100-200 mg of DHA during pregnancy.⁶ This marks the first time the NIH has explicitly endorsed omega-3 supplementation for preventing preterm birth, acknowledging that most pregnant women don't get enough of these essential fatty acids through diet alone.

The guidance recommends omega-3 supplementation for:

• Women planning pregnancy
• Currently pregnant women
• Those with low baseline omega-3 levels
• Women who don't regularly consume seafood

In particular, the guidance emphasizes the importance of DHA, recognizing its critical role in fetal development, especially for brain and eye development. It also notes that supplementation may be most beneficial when started before conception or early in pregnancy, as adequate DHA status before pregnancy helps protect against preterm birth. Specifically, dietary supplements are offered as a reliable solution for increasing omega-3 intake, which is particularly important for women who don't regularly consume seafood due to dietary preferences, restrictions, or concerns about contaminants.

The science behind the recommendation

The NIH's guidance is backed by compelling evidence, including the landmark Cochrane review of nearly 20,000 women that found omega-3 supplementation reduced the risk of preterm births by 11% and early preterm births (before 34 weeks) by a remarkable 42%.¹ This builds on observations first made 40 years ago that populations consuming more fish had longer pregnancies, and subsequent research confirming an inverse relationship between omega-3 consumption and preterm birth rates across 184 countries.^7,8

Most recently, a global panel of 24 leading obstetricians, nutrition scientists, and pediatricians with expertise recommended levels of omega-3 (~200-250 mg/day) are insufficient, especially for women with low intakes early in pregnancy.⁹ The panel additionally stated that pregnant women with low DHA intakes or blood levels at the beginning of pregnancy should have 600 – 1000 mg DHA+EPA (or DHA alone). The NIH recommendations are in line with these expert guidelines, providing authoritative guidance that reflects the current scientific consensus for healthcare professionals and pregnant women alike.

Bridging the omega-3 gap

Despite the benefits of omega-3s, research shows that most American women of childbearing age and pregnant women consume far less DHA and EPA than recommended.³ For today's environmentally conscious and health-savvy mothers, algal-based omega-3 solutions can help moms-to-be increase DHA and EPA to help build healthier futures, not just for themselves and their babies but also the planet.

As a leading manufacturer of algal-based omega-3s that provide EPA and DHA in a single, quality source, dsm-firmenich is committed to delivering scientifically-backed nutritional solutions that support maternal and infant health while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Our life'sOMEGA® products are derived from microalgae through a proprietary indoor fermentation process that ensures both quality and environmental stewardship. Unlike traditional marine-sourced omega-3s, our algal-based solutions are completely independent of ocean ecosystems, offering a sustainable alternative that's good for mothers, babies, and the planet.

Additionally, our concentrated DHA supplements allow for smaller, easier-to-consume servings while still meeting the recommended intake levels—a significant benefit for pregnant women who may struggle with larger supplement sizes. Our cutting-edge lipids portfolio also exhibits superior sensory properties, enabling product development in traditional soft gel capsules, gummies and other innovative formats.

Moving forward with evidence-based nutrition

The NIH's updated recommendations align with the growing scientific consensus on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, in supporting healthy pregnancies and reducing preterm birth risk.

By incorporating these evidence-based guidelines into prenatal care, healthcare providers can help pregnant women make informed decisions about their nutritional needs, potentially improving maternal and infant health outcomes globally.