The finding contradicts previous studies that have led to widespread marketing of the purported benefits of fish oil capsules for pregnant women and their offspring.
Pregnant women taking fish oil tablets do not reduce their risk of post-natal depression nor assist the cognitive development of their babies, research has found.
The finding contradicts previous studies that have led to widespread marketing of the purported benefits of fish oil capsules for pregnant women and their offspring.
Authors of the new study, published yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, say their research shows no evidence to justify a recommendation for women to increase omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy. They collected data from 2400 pregnant women from five Australian maternity hospitals, including the Royal Women's in Melbourne. Half took fish oil capsules and half a placebo in the five-year study, with no significant difference in the incidence of post-natal depression or children's cognitive and language development.
Lead author Professor Maria Makrides said previous findings from the US and Europe suggesting the benefits of fish and seafood were based on observational studies that could not exclude the influence of social variables.
KATE HAGAN
