Maternal docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation: effects and mechanisms on lipid metabolism in the offspring.
- 2026-02-19
- Frontiers in nutrition 13
- Chuhan Shao
- Hanmo Lin
- Jie Yu
- Haiyan Chen
- Yaolin Ren
- Jing Ren
- Yuan Zeng
- Yifan Wu
- Qian Zhang
- Xinhua Xiao
- PubMed: 41798834
- DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1745358
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Funding
- Unclear
Environmental factors, such as nutrition, hormones, and metabolites, which are present in early stages of life, have long-lasting effects throughout an organism's lifespan, and an abnormal nutritional environment throughout gestation and lactation may significantly increase the possibility that offspring will develop chronic metabolic disorders. The important nutrients docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3, EPA), which are essential long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, contribute to proper neurological and retinal development and exhibit both anti-inflammatory properties and lipid-reducing capabilities. Recent research has demonstrated that maternal diets supplemented with EPA and DHA may regulate lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver and adipose tissues and alter the intestinal microbial composition in offspring. These changes influence the progression of lipid metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia, obesity, and MAFLD in the next generation. This narrative review illustrates the effects of maternal EPA and DHA intervention during the prenatal and breastfeeding period on lipid metabolism in the offspring and the underlying mechanisms. We also explore the directions for future research.