You may already know about the health benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids in pregnancy. Omega-6 fatty acids, like omega-3 fatty acids, are essential, meaning your body can't manufacture them; they must come from your diet. You can manufacture omega-9 fatty acids, so it's not necessary to consume them. Some supplemental forms of omega-6 fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid could have harmful effects in pregnancy.
Sources
Vegetable oils contain omega-6 fatty acid. The main omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, breaks down into gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, which breaks down further into arachidonic acid. Some plant oils, including evening primrose, borage seed and black current seed oil contain high amounts of GLA. While omega-3 fatty acid generally promote inflammation, GLA may reduce inflammation. Omega-9 fatty acids such as oleic acid come from animal fat and vegetable oils. Most people, including pregnant women, get plenty of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids from their diet during pregnancy, making supplements unnecessary.
Pregnancy Concerns
You should avoid borage seed oil while pregnant. Borage seed oil can not only cause birth defects but could also cause preterm labor due to its prostaglandin agonist effects. Prostaglandins increase uterine contractions. The pregnancies of vegetarian women may be slightly shorter than those of non-vegetarians due to their higher levels of linoleic acid, which converts to arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is necessary for prostaglandin formation.
Studies
Consuming more than 6 percent of your daily calories from omega-6 fatty acids could inhibit synthesis of DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid for fetal brain development, according to a British article published in the September 1999 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." A ratio between 4:1 and 10:1 omega-6 fatty acid to omega-3 fatty acid is prudent during pregnancy, researchers noted in this report on the effects of increased omega-6 fatty acids in pregnant vegetarians.
Considerations
With the exception of borage oil, sources of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids have no ill effects on pregnancy. Since your body makes omega-9 fatty acids, there are no recommended doses of this nutrient. On the other hand, unless your doctor specifically recommends them, omega-6 and 9 dietary supplements will have no particular benefit during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may aid with fetal development if you don't get enough of this essential fatty acid.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition;" Essential Fatty Acid Requirements of Vegetarians in Pregnancy, Lactation, and Infancy; Thomas Sanders; September 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-6 Fatty Acids; S. Ehrlich; June 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Borage; February 2011
- Women to Women; What's the Difference Between Omega-3's, 6's and 9's?; April 2011
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