Fat-soluble nutrients and Omega-3 fatty acids as modifiable factors influencing preterm birth risk.

Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: melissak.thoene@unmc.edu. Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: matthew.vanormer@unmc.edu. Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: ana.yuilvaldes@unmc.edu. Department of Nutrition & Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA. Electronic address: tbruett2@unl.edu. Department of Nutrition & Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA. Electronic address: snatarajan2@unl.edu. Cytotechnology Education, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: mmukherj@unmc.edu. Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: maranda.thompson@unmc.edu. Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA. Electronic address: tmnordgren@gmail.com. Department of Nutrition and Public Health, University of Agder, Post-box 422, N-4604, Kristiansand, Norway; Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organization, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: wendy.vanlippevelde@ugent.be. Department of Nutrition and Public Health, University of Agder, Post-box 422, N-4604, Kristiansand, Norway. Electronic address: nina.c.overby@uia.no. University of Ghana Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.O. Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana. Electronic address: bonsaffoh@yahoo.com. Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: alanders@unmc.edu. Medical Nutrition Education, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: ckhanson@unmc.edu.

Placenta. 2020;:38-42

Abstract

Preterm birth is a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality, so strategies to reduce early birth must remain a priority. One key approach to enhancing birth outcomes is improving maternal dietary intake. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss mechanisms on perinatal status of fat-soluble nutrients (carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols) and omega-3 fatty acids and how they impact risk for preterm birth. Literature review demonstrates that maternal dietary intake and biological (blood and placental tissue) levels of fat-soluble nutrients during pregnancy may provide antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids also promote increased production of specialized pro-resolving mediators, subsequently mediating inflammation resolution. Combined effects of these nutrients support appropriate placental organogenesis and function. Consequently, fat-soluble nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids serve as strong influencers for preterm birth risk. As dietary intake remains a modifiable factor, future intervention would benefit from a focus on optimizing perinatal status of these specific nutrients.

Methodological quality

Publication Type : Review

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