Omega-3 Testing in Pregnancy

Omega-3 Testing in Pregnancy: South Australia’s SAMSAS Initiative and the Fight Against Preterm Birth

Introduction

In South Australia, innovative public health research has led to the launch of a world-first Omega-3 screening and supplementation program for pregnant women. Delivered through the South Australian Maternal Serum Antenatal Screening (SAMSAS) pathway, this initiative provides free Omega-3 blood status tests to pregnant women—a step designed to prevent preterm births and improve outcomes for babies and families.

Science: Why Omega-3 Matters in Pregnancy

Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) found in fish oils and algae, are critical to a baby’s brain development and full-term gestation. Landmark Australian studies led by Professor Maria Makrides and Professor Robert Gibson discovered that pregnant women with low Omega-3 blood levels are at significantly greater risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks)—and particularly at increased risk for very early birth (before 34 weeks).[1][2][3][4]

Their clinical trials, including the internationally recognized ORIP trial, demonstrated that targeted Omega-3 supplementation can halve the risk of early preterm births in women with low Omega-3 status. These findings led the Australian Government and NHMRC to update official pregnancy care guidelines, recommending blood Omega-3 screening and appropriate supplementation for women at risk.[2][3][4]

How the SAMSAS Program Works

  • Eligibility:The program offers Omega-3 testing to women with single pregnancies (not twins or triplets), ideally before 20 weeks gestation.
  • No Extra Needles: The Omega-3 analysis uses blood already taken for standard SAMSAS pregnancy screening. No additional collection is needed, making it easy and non-invasive.[5][6][7][1]
  • Free to Families:The test is provided at zero cost, funded through partnerships between SAHMRI, SA Pathology, and state healthcare agencies.[8][9][1]
  • Action regarding Results:
  • If a woman’s Omega-3 level is below 3.7%, supplements are recommended—usually 800mg DHA plus 100mg EPA daily.
  • Women with adequate Omega-3 stores do not require extra supplementation, preventing unnecessary cost and intervention.
  • Translation and Policy:Results are discussed at the next scheduled prenatal visit, and supplements are often supplied directly through participating clinics or pharmacies.[6][10]

Impact and Evidence

  • Over 22,000 women have had free testing since the program’s start, with about 17% found to have low Omega-3 levels and advised to supplement.[11][2]
  • Predicted Benefits: If implemented nationwide, this approach could prevent over 1,000 very preterm births annually, saving more than $90 million in healthcare and education costs, and sparing families from the burden of extended hospital stays and lifelong health complications for their babies.[3][12][2]
  • Global significance: Preterm birth is the leading worldwide cause of disability and death in newborns, and preventing it is a major goal for public health agencies.[4][12][2]

National and International Attention

The NHMRC Impact Case Study highlights how South Australian discoveries have influenced clinical care guidelines throughout Australia and internationally, demonstrating the power of targeted nutritional intervention in pregnancy.

The SAMSAS Omega-3 Test-and-Treat program is now seen as a model for other states and countries seeking to reduce preterm birth rates efficiently and equitably.[13][12][2][3][4]

How to Access the Test

For South Australian women:

  • Ask your GP, obstetrician, or midwife for the Omega-3 screening as part of standard SAMSAS bloods.
  • If recommended, follow up on supplementation: this step is especially crucial for women who eat little or no fish, or have restrictive diets.

Conclusion

The free Omega-3 screening program offered via SAMSAS represents exemplary translation of research into public health action. By identifying and supporting women most at risk of preterm birth, South Australia is leading the world in using precision nutrition to give babies the best possible start in life.

For more information about the Omega-3 test or to access resources:

Visit the SAHMRI website’s Omega-3 project page or speak to your healthcare provider. For research highlights and national health guidelines, see the NHMRC’s official case study and impact summary.[9][12][7][1][5][2][6][4]

  1. https://sahmri.org.au/information-for-families

  2. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/resources/impact-case-studies/preterm-births-and-omega-3

  3. https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2024/03/28/preterm-birth-research-in-top-10-for-delivering-extraordinary-outcomes

  4. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/news-centre/10-best-fifteenth-edition/life-giving-oils-low-omega-3-fatty-acid-linked-early-preterm-birth-and-lower-brain-development

  5. https://mydr.com.au/digital-brochures/sahmriomega-3-screening-to-help-prevent-premature-births/

  6. https://sahmri.blob.core.windows.net/communications/sahmri.org/families-omega-3-information-november-2021.pdf

  7. https://apex.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ATT_ConsumerOmega_3_Brochure.pdf

  8. https://www.sapathology.sa.gov.au/insights/the-omega-3-test-and-treat-program-reducing-preterm-births-in-sa

  9. https://sahmri.org.au/research/themes/women-and-kids/programs/pregnancy-and-newborn-health/projects/omega-3-status-test-for-prematurity-risk

  10. https://sahmri.blob.core.windows.net/communications/Aboriginal_Families_DL_Size_Digital.pdf

  11. https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/Publications/PathWay/Docs/Early-data-shows-routine-Omega-3-screening-prevent

  12. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/images/Case_studies/Impact-Case-Study-omega-3.pdf

  13. https://healthtranslation.sa.org.au/project/omega3/