omega-3 fatty acids (Vanderbilt University Medical Center)

Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are being evaluated by Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Phase 2 INFANTS (Investigating N-3 Fatty Acids to prevent Neonatal Tobacco-related outcomeS) trial. The intervention involves high-dose fish oil supplementation (approximately 4 grams daily of sardine oil) administered to pregnant smokers between 12-24 weeks gestation. The study aims to address smoking-induced deficiencies in circulating n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), which are hypothesized to contribute to tobacco addiction by affecting dopamine signaling in the brain's reward center and to increase the risk of preterm birth by altering hormonal responses related to labor. The primary clinical objectives are to increase gestational age at delivery and treat tobacco use disorder in this high-risk population.

Other names

n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acidsn3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acidsn 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acidsn-3 LCPUFAsn3 LCPUFAsn 3 LCPUFAsfish oilEPADHAeicosapentaenoic aciddocosahexaenoic acid