The Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Administration on Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα) Levels in Underweight Pregnant Women

Background: Fulfillment of nutritional needs in pregnant women greatly affects thenutritional status of the fetus in the womb and will determine the growth anddevelopment of the baby, especially during the growth period (golden age). In themother's womb, brain cells undergo various stages of development, namely fromproliferation, migration, synaptogenesis to apoptosis. Adequate nutrition is the mainand most important factor that plays a role in determining the success of body and braingrowth in the fetus. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of DHAintake on TNFa levels in underweight pregnant women. Methods: The researchapproach used was cross-sectional and interviews were conducted directly with 21pregnant women patients in Made Suarabaya District. Results: The average levels ofTNFa in underweight pregnant women before and after DHA administration were asfollows: 163,746±66,591 and 133,339±39,159 respectively. Conclusions: There is asignificant positive effect of providing DHA intake to underweight pregnant women.