Omega-3 has been a recommended supplement for pregnant women by a number of high profile agencies, including the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation, March of Dimes and the scientifically very stringent EFSA (European Food Safety Agency).  They base their stance on a large number of studies showing that DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) is important in normal development of vision in infants.

However a new study called the DHA for Maternal and Infant Outcomes (DOMInO) trial contradicts this evidence.  In the study, conducted in Australia, women were given 800 mg of DHA or a placebo during the second half of their pregnancy.  The visual acuity of the infants was tested 4 months after birth.  No significant differences were found between babies whose mothers had taken DHA vs those who had taken placebo.

The only factor that was found to make a difference was whether or not the mother smoked – smoking by the mother led to poorer vision in the infant.

For an article on the findings, click here ^[1].

For the study abstract in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, click here ^[2].

Risa Schulman, PhD
Expert, Healthy Food and Dietary Supplement Science, Marketing and Regulatory
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