Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol was significantly lower in babies treated with omega-3 compared to controls (P < 0.05).
Newborns with intrauterine growth restriction generally present with high triglycerides and low HDL levels predisposing them to higher risk of coronary heart disease, Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases later in life1,2. Leptin and cholesterol metabolism in newborns is important in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction1. Maternal intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve gestation and resulted in higher birth weight for neonates3. However, the effect of omega 3 supplementation on leptin levels is a contentious matter4.
In a randomized clinical trial, investigators assessed the effect of omega-3 supplementation on lipid profile and leptin level in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction4. Seventy full term babies were included in this trial. In the study group, the babies were given 40 mg/kg/day dose of omega-3 fatty acids dissolved in either breast milk or formula once daily for two weeks. Complete clinical examinations were conducted on all newborns. Serum lipid profile, routine laboratory investigations (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.), leptin level, and ponderal index was measured for all subjects included in the trial. The ponderal index is used to assess intrauterine growth restriction in newborns. This index detects whether the soft tissue mass of newborns is below average for their skeletal development. All laboratory measurements were done at admission and after two weeks Omega 3 supplementation. Neonates were divided into two groups in a 1:1 ratio with 35 newborns in the treatment group and 35 newborns in the control group. The primary outcome for this trial was the effect of omega-3 supplementation on serum leptin levels. Secondarily, researchers assessed the effect of omega-3 supplementation on serum lipid profile and anthropometric measurements.
Upon admission, researchers found no significant difference between the control and treatment group in ponderal index, weight, length, and head circumference. Routine laboratory testing and serum lipid profile showed no significant differences between the treatment and control groups. After two weeks omega 3 supplementation, researchers saw a significant decrease in leptin levels among the treatment group (P < 0.001). Babies in the control group however had a significant increase and Leptin levels after two weeks compared to levels at admission (P< 0.001). LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol was also significantly lower in babies treated with omega-3 compared to controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HDL was significantly increased in the treatment group compared to control (P <0.001). In both the treatment and control group the newborns experienced a significant increase in weight and ponderal index. However, the increase among the omega-3 treated newborns was more significant than the newborns in the control group (P < 0.001 versus P = 0.01, respectively). Length increased significantly only in the newborns assigned to the treatment group (P <0.001). No significant side effects occurred.
Two weeks supplementation with Omega 3 fatty acids significantly associated with an increase in birth weight, length, and ponderal index while improving both leptin levels and lipid profile in newborns with intrauterine growth restriction. Additional studies will be needed to verify these findings.
Source: Elsheikh, Mai, Doaa El Amrousy, Heba El-Mahdy, Heba Dawoud, Ahmed Harkan, and Amany El-Barky. “Lipid profile after omega-3 supplementation in neonates with intrauterine growth retardation: a randomized controlled trial.” Pediatric Research (2023): 1-7.
© The Author(s) 2023
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Posted July 3, 2023.
Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.
References:
- Armengaud JB, Yzydorczyk C, Siddeek B, Peyter AC, Simeoni U. Intrauterine growth restriction: Clinical consequences on health and disease at adulthood. Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, NY). Jan 2021;99:168-176. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.10.005
- Obradovic M, Sudar-Milovanovic E, Soskic S, et al. Leptin and Obesity: Role and Clinical Implication. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:585887. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.585887
- Monthé-Drèze C, Sen S, Hauguel-de Mouzon S, Catalano PM. Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation in Pregnant Women with Obesity on Newborn Body Composition, Growth and Length of Gestation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients. Feb 9 2021;13(2)doi:10.3390/nu13020578
- Elsheikh M, El Amrousy D, El-Mahdy H, Dawoud H, Harkan A, El-Barky A. Lipid profile after omega-3 supplementation in neonates with intrauterine growth retardation: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatr Res. May 18 2023;doi:10.1038/s41390-023-02632-z
