Emerging research shows that DHA, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, supports maternal wellness and helps prevent preterm birth – offering CPG brands opportunities to back maternal and infant health while tackling consumer barriers to seafood and supplements, according to an IFIC webinar.
Susan Carlson, AJ Rice professor of nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, emphasized that maternal DHA intake supports both mother and child.
“Maternal DHA intake has been associated with some maternal health outcomes, such as improved autonomic regulation, lower inflammatory markers in pregnancy, and then also a possible protection against postpartum depression,” she said.
Higher doses of DHA improved maternal autonomic function such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and digestion, according to a Pediatric Anesthesia & Neurodevelopment Assessment (PANDA) study cited by Carlson.
“Women who received the higher dose of DHA had a lower heart rate and higher heart rate variability, indicating improved autonomic function in pregnancy,” Carlson explained.
For CPG brands, this underscores the value of highlighting scientifically-backed maternal and infant benefits in product positioning and communication.
Implications for CPG brands
- Highlight scientifically supported benefits for both mothers and infants.
- Create products that address common barriers, including taste, cost, and accessibility.
- Offer plant-based DHA options for vegetarian and vegan consumers.
- Target products across preconception, pregnancy, and lactation.
- Educate consumers about DHA safety, supplementation, and dietary benefits.
Timing matters: Preconception through lactation
Early DHA intake is crucial.
Carlson emphasized that while the majority of DHA and arachidonic acid transfer to the fetus happens in the last trimester, it depends on the mother’s nutrient stores, meaning that preconception and early pregnancy intake is key.
Products aimed at women before conception, during pregnancy and postpartum could support this early-intake window.
Safety considerations: Mercury and microplastics
Addressing microplastics, Carlson noted that the nutritional benefits of seafood outweigh the minimal risk from microplastic exposure in the diet.
DHA is high in tuna which has been connected to tuna. However, Carlson explained that concerns about mercury and foodborne illnesses, while common, are often exaggerated.
Regarding mercury, clinical trials focused on the single DHA compound rather than the entire effects of whole seafood, underscore that DHA itself reduces preterm birth risk, while neurocognitive development benefits are linked to the broader nutrient profile of seafood, she said.
For brands, this highlights an opportunity to create DHA-rich products that are convenient, affordable and culturally relevant, such as ready-to-eat or shelf-stable options, to help consumers overcome these obstacles.
CPG brands can potentially reinforce safety and benefits through clear labeling and educational resources.
Supporting postpartum health
Lactating women tend to have the lowest DHA and EPA intake, making postnatal consumption important since DHA content in breast milk depends on maternal diet, according to Danielle Christifano, assistant professor, dietetics and nutrition, Kansas Medical Center.
Carlson added that while evidence linking DHA to reduced postpartum depression is not conclusive, supplementation is safe and potentially beneficial. This suggests opportunities for products designed to support maternal nutrition during lactation.
