Omega-3 Supplementation Reduces Risk of Preterm Birth

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, occurs in approximately 15 million babies globally each year.¹ More than 26,000 of these births are in Australia, costing the Australian economy $1.4 billion annually.² Of these, 30% are born earlier than 34 weeks of gestation, known as early preterm birth.³ The incidence of preterm birth is even higher in indigenous communities and developing countries.^4,5 and it is the leading cause of death in children up to five years of age.¹

Preterm birth greatly increases the risk of both short-term and long-term health complications both as a baby and also across the lifespan, and is associated with higher rates of visual impairment, developmental delay, learning difficulties, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.^6,7 Early preterm birth experiences the highest rates of mortality of morbidity.³ In addition to adverse consequences for the offspring, preterm birth has been associated with an increased risk of maternal depression and early mortality in the mother.^5,7