Placental transfer of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA)

Considerable evidence exists for marked beneficial effects of
omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) during
pregnancy. The omega-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is
incorporated in large amounts in fetal brain and other tissues
during the second half of pregnancy, and several studies have
provided evidence for a link between early DHA status of the mother
and visual and cognitive development of her child after birth.
Moreover, the supplementation of omega-3 LC-PUFA during pregnancy
increases slightly infant size at birth, and significantly reduces
early preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation by 31%. In our
studies using stable isotope methodology in vivo, we demonstrated
active and preferential materno-fetal transfer of DHA across the
human placenta and found the expression of human placental fatty
acid binding and transport proteins. From the correlation of DHA
values with placental fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP 4), we
conclude that this protein is of key importance in mediating DHA
transport across the human placenta. Given the great importance of
placental DHA transport for infant outcome, further studies are
needed to fully appreciate the effects and optimal strategies of
omega-3 fatty acid interventions in pregnancy, dose response
relationships, and the potential differences between subgroups of
subjects such as women with gestational diabetes or other
gestational pathology. Such studies should contribute to optimize
substrate intake during pregnancy and lactation that may improve
pregnancy outcome as well as fetal growth and development.