Health Hotline Magazine | May 2026

with improved child neurodevelopmental outcomes, including memory retention and markers of neuronal growth, indicating enhanced brain development. Researchers summarized that, “Maternal omega-3 supplementation appears as a safe and effective means to improve offspring neurodevelopment, with stronger effects under adverse gestational conditions [e.g., preeclampsia or gestational diabetes], highlighting its potential for at-risk populations.” In an earlier study examining prenatal DHA supplementation and its long-term brain benefits on offspring, pregnant women were assigned to take either 600 mg of DHA or a placebo daily, starting in the second trimester through delivery. Their offspring were then followed for approximately five years to determine the effect DHA supplementation had on the children’s behavior and brain function. The children whose mothers took the DHA during pregnancy showed differences in brain activity, particularly in the area of visual processing/attention and memory, and improved self-control during thinking tasks, suggesting long-lasting cognitive benefits. Maternal Mental Health and Omega-3s Omega-3 fatty acids are not only important for the developing fetus, but also for maternal health during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy depletes maternal DHA stores, as the nutrient is preferentially transferred to the fetus to meet developmental demands—research shows that maternal DHA levels decline as gestation progresses. Without adequate intake, maternal levels decline significantly, potentially affecting mood and inflammatory regulation. According to one study, maternal DHA status declines from pregnancy through the first postpartum months, with the lowest levels found around six months after birth, due to both in-utero transfer and the demands of lactation. This study highlights the

EPA

significant nutrient demands placed on the mother across both pregnancy and early lactation. Research also links low omega-3 status to a higher risk of perinatal—including both prenatal and postpartum—depression. According to a 2025 review, perinatal depression affects about 21 percent of women during pregnancy and 15 percent after

childbirth. The research shows that lower omega-3 fatty acid levels are associated with up to a six-fold greater risk of depression during pregnancy, and that omega-3 supplementation appears beneficial for prevention. In addition, omega-3 supplementation has been shown to significantly improve presenting depressive symptoms

CHOLINE

in pregnant and postpartum women. Many clinical studies have used combined EPA and DHA amounts in the range of approximately 1-2 grams/daily, with higher EPA fractions linked to larger mood effects. While omega-3s are not a standalone treatment for perinatal depression, daily intake is a supportive strategy to support good maternal mental health. The Emerging Role of Choline Choline is an essential nutrient in pregnancy that supports healthy cell membranes and fetal brain development. Prenatal choline supplementation also increases DHA bioavailability, helping package and transport DHA more effectively. Higher maternal choline intake has been linked with a lower likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and because many prenatal vitamins contain little or no choline, dietary intake from foods like eggs or supplementation is especially important. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 450 mg/day during pregnancy and 550 mg/day during lactation. From the earliest weeks of pregnancy to the months after delivery, nutrition shapes the story of mother and child. Omega-3s help build the brain, support maternal wellbeing, and can even influence the timing of birth itself. From bump to baby and beyond, these nutrients do more than just nourish—they help lay the foundation for a healthier beginning and lifetime of wellness. EPA CHOLINE

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