Counteracting the effects of maternal obesity on offspring neurodevelopment through Omega-3-based nutritional strategies.

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly recognized that, in addition to psychological stress, unbalanced maternal nutritional habits can threaten fetal brain development. Maternal obesity is one of the most pressing public health problems facing the world today, as about 40% of pregnant women are obese or gain excessive weight worldwide. This condition can negatively impact offspring's brain development, increasing the risk for autism spectrum disorders, cognitive deficits, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as anxiety and depression. In the context of fetal development, nutritional interventions may represent a feasible and safe approach for preventing the negative effects of maternal obesity. We argue that maternal Omega-3 supplementation, among the many dietary strategies available, is especially promising as it buffers oxidative stress and inflammation, both recognized as candidate mechanisms underlying the negative long-term effects of maternal obesity on the offspring. Notwithstanding the current knowledge, both preclinical studies and clinical trials are needed to refine current strategies addressing dietary content and length of administration according to individual characteristics and needs.