Acceptability and side effects of omega 3 in pregnant women with deficient intake

Introduction: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, are essential during pregnancy due to their benefits for maternal health and fetal development. In pregnant women with omega-3 deficiency, assessing tolerability, acceptability, and potential side effects is crucial to optimize treatment adherence. Objective: To determine the tolerability and the main side effects in a group of pregnant women with inadequate fish intake in a rural community. Materials and methods: A nutritional survey was conducted in a group of pregnant women attending their prenatal check-ups at a private Gyneco-obstetric institution to investigate the need for omega-3 supplementation through a simplified questionnaire in a population of pregnant women. Two capsules containing 760 mg of EPA and 520 mg of DHA were prescribed from 20 weeks onward. The presence of side effects and adherence to the prescription were documented. Results: A tolerability rate of 100.0% was found. Side effects included nausea 19.2%, belching 4.6%, fishy breath 2.3%, vomiting 1.5%, and no cases of allergic reaction. No patient discontinued supplementation. Conclusions: The side effects of omega-3 PUFAs in this study were very low, resulting in excellent treatment adherence.