Docosahexaenoic Acid and Childhood Blood Pressure

Abstract

Background: Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) have been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) while they are being consumed; however, there is also evidence from observational studies that exposure to more LCPUFA early in development can program lower BP in childhood. This relationship has yet to be studied in a randomized trial conducted during fetal life. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that 600 mg/d of the omega-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to placebo in pregnancy can reduce offspring BP at 7 and 8 years of age. Methods: This secondary data analysis examines 129 offspring from women who consumed capsules (placebo or 600 mg DHA) from <20 weeks of gestation to birth. BP was measured in triplicate at 7 and 8 years of age. The statistical analysis was intent-to-treat with adjustment for covariates associated with BP. Results: We did not find an effect of early DHA exposure on BP, however, child weight status (BMI percentile < or ≥85th percentile) and gestational days smoked were positively associated with BP at 7 and 8 years of age. Conclusion: Improving maternal and therefore fetal DHA status through maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy does not appear to protect against higher BP at 7 and 8 years of age.