Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels in Maternal and Cord Plasma Are Associated with Maternal Socioeconomic Status

Authors

Alexandra Hergenrader, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Matthew Van Ormer, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Rebecca Slotkowski, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Maranda Thompson, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Alyssa Freeman, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Olivia Paetz, Unniversity of Nebraska Medical Center
Sarah Sweeney, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Lauren Wegner, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Khadijjta Ali, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Nicole S. Bender, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Ridhi Chaudhary, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Melissa K. Thoene, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Corrine K. Hanson, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Ann Anderson-Berry, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow

Document Type

Article

Journal Title

Nutrients

Publication Date

2023

Volume

15

Abstract

Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a crucial role in fetal growth and neurodevelopment, while omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that socioeconomic status (SES) influences dietary intake of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs, but few studies have evaluated the association between maternal and cord plasma biomarkers of PUFAs and socioeconomic markers. An IRB-approved study enrolled mother-infant pairs (n = 55) at the time of delivery. Maternal and cord plasma PUFA concentrations were analyzed using gas chromatography. Markers of SES were obtained from validated surveys and maternal medical records. Mann-Whitney U tests and linear regression models were utilized for statistical analysis. Maternal eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (p = 0.02), cord EPA (p = 0.04), and total cord n-3 PUFA concentrations (p = 0.04) were significantly higher in college-educated mothers vs. mothers with less than a college education after adjustment for relevant confounders. Insurance type and household income were not significantly associated with n-3 or n-6 PUFA plasma concentrations after adjustment. Our findings suggest that mothers with lower educational status may be at risk of lower plasma concentrations of n-3 PUFAs at delivery, which could confer increased susceptibility to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.

MeSH Headings

Pregnancy, Female, Humans, Prospective Studies, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Mothers, Social Class

DOI Link

10.3390/nu15204432

ISSN

2072-6643

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Hergenrader, Alexandra; Van Ormer, Matthew; Slotkowski, Rebecca; Thompson, Maranda; Freeman, Alyssa; Paetz, Olivia; Sweeney, Sarah; Wegner, Lauren; Ali, Khadijjta; Bender, Nicole S.; Chaudhary, Ridhi; Thoene, Melissa K.; Hanson, Corrine K.; and Anderson-Berry, Ann, "Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels in Maternal and Cord Plasma Are Associated with Maternal Socioeconomic Status" (2023). Journal Articles: Pediatrics. 41.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/com_peds_articles/41