BMC pregnancy and childbirth
Omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy in relation to reported information sources: an exploratory cross-sectional study
By Hentrich AE, Brueggmann D, Hoock SC and 6 others.
Abstract
Background
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy is recommended in certain settings and may be relevant for maternal and fetal health, yet uptake varies widely. While educational attainment is commonly considered a determinant of health behavior, the relationship between reported information sources and supplementation practices during pregnancy remains insufficiently understood.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among pregnant women attending a university hospital in Germany between June 2024 and January 2025. Data were collected on current omega-3 supplementation, preconception omega-3 use, educational attainment, parity, and reported sources of information about dietary supplements. Source-specific associations with current and preconception omega-3 use were examined exploratorily using 2 × 2 contingency tables. Conditional maximum-likelihood odds ratios (ORs) with central exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and corresponding two-sided central exact P values were calculated.