Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are widely recommended during pregnancy due to their scientifically validated benefits for both maternal health and fetal development. Numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that adequate omega-3 intake during pregnancy is associated with positive outcomes such as improved fetal brain and retinal development, reduced risk of preterm birth, and better cognitive outcomes in children. DHA is especially critical for the growth and functional development of the fetal brain during pregnancy and infancy. The World Health Organization (WHO), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and other leading health organizations recommend that pregnant women ensure sufficient intake of DHA and EPA through either diet (e.g., fatty fish) or supplementation, especially if dietary sources are limited. Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown that omega-3 supplementation can lower the risk of early preterm birth and may have modest benefits for birth weight and gestational length. Although omega-3 fatty acids are not used specifically to treat pregnancy itself (since pregnancy is not a disease), their supplementation is considered a safe and effective means to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. However, it is important to avoid fish oils with high mercury content, and supplementation should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine appropriate dosing and to ensure product quality.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness