A New Way to Personalize DHA During Pregnancy
In February, OmegaQuant introduced the first consumer and clinician Prenatal DHA Test, a simple, at-home finger-stick blood test that measures DHA directly in red blood cells. The launch is paired with an education effort—the Prenatal DHA Initiative—to help expectant and future moms, healthcare providers, and brands understand why DHA matters, how to measure it, and what to do if levels are low.
The DHA–Preterm Birth Connection
Preterm birth—delivery before 37 weeks—is the second leading cause of death in children under five worldwide. Early preterm birth (before 34 weeks) carries even higher risks, often requiring NICU stays and driving costs dramatically higher than an uncomplicated delivery. The evidence base linking DHA to gestational length is strong. A recent Cochrane Review of 70 randomized trials including nearly 20,000 women reported that omega-3 intake during pregnancy reduced preterm birth by 11% and early preterm birth by 42%. In other words, ensuring sufficient DHA isn’t just a nutrition box to tick—it’s a modifiable factor tied to meaningful outcomes for mom, baby, and the healthcare system.
The Cost Case for DHA
Prematurity is expensive—for families and for health systems. Estimates suggest each premature or low-birth-weight baby adds roughly tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs compared with an uncomplicated birth. Modeling research indicates that daily DHA intakes of at least 600 mg could save the U.S. healthcare system up to $6 billion annually by preventing preterm births. Prevention beats rescue—clinically and financially.
Why Testing Matters More Than Guessing
Most pregnant women do not reach recommended DHA intakes. Although 200 mg/day of DHA is commonly suggested, typical U.S. diets provide only about 60 mg/day, and fewer than one in ten women report taking a DHA supplement. Food confusion—about which fish are safe, whether plant sources like flax help, or whether “omega-3” on a label means DHA—adds to the gap.
A blood test removes the guesswork. The Prenatal DHA Test quantifies DHA as a percentage of red blood cell fatty acids and reports an easy-to-use score. Research supports a target of at least 5% during pregnancy, with values around 4.3% considered very low and 3.5% exceedingly deficient. Because each woman’s metabolism, diet, and absorption differ, only a measurement can reveal true status and guide a personalized plan.
How the Prenatal DHA Test Works
The test requires a quick finger prick and a single drop of blood. Results show your DHA percentage and include practical guidance on raising it through diet and supplements. Because red blood cells turn over slowly, retesting after 2–3 months shows whether your changes are working and helps you maintain a protective range throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
What to Do with Your Number
If your DHA is below 5%, increasing intake is straightforward. Many women reach the target by adding fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, or trout and/or by taking a prenatal supplement that clearly lists DHA content (aim for at least 200 mg/day, often more to move a low baseline). The report includes a fish table highlighting DHA-rich, low-mercury choices to make seafood selection simpler during pregnancy. For those who prefer not to eat fish, algal-derived DHA is an effective, vegan option.
Safety and Upper Limits
There are no known adverse effects from higher prenatal DHA status; if anything, the main consideration at very high levels is the potential for slightly longer gestation. In practice, targeting ≥5% is both safe and evidence-based. Work with your healthcare provider to integrate testing and targeted dosing into your prenatal plan.
From Omega-3 Index to Prenatal DHA
OmegaQuant’s team—led by Drs. William S. Harris and Kristina Harris Jackson—pioneered the Omega-3 Index, used in more than 200 clinical trials. As data mounted specifically linking DHA with preterm birth risk, the need for a DHA-focused test in pregnancy became clear. The Prenatal DHA Test adapts proven dried-blood-spot technology to a pregnancy-specific biomarker and a clear clinical cut point.
The Prenatal DHA Initiative: Education and Access
The Initiative brings testing and education to multiple stakeholders. Clinicians can use the test to screen, counsel, and monitor their patients—especially those at higher risk for prematurity. Prenatal DHA brands can support customers with objective feedback and dosing guidance. Consumers can order directly to check their levels and take action. Professional organizations help amplify best practices and integrate DHA measurement into prenatal care.
Recognition and Public Health Impact
OmegaQuant’s Prenatal DHA Initiative received the NutraIngredients-USA “Personalized Nutrition” award, recognizing its potential to improve maternal–infant health at scale: a simple, accurate test, clear cut point, and practical steps any family can implement.
The Bottom Line
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DHA matters: Low DHA is linked with higher risk of preterm and early preterm birth.
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Measure, don’t guess: Aim for a Prenatal DHA ≥5% and recheck after a few months.
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Personalize intake: Use fish, algal-DHA, or prenatal supplements to reach and maintain your target.
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Think outcomes: Better DHA status supports longer gestation, healthier babies, and reduced costs.
When pregnancy is on the horizon—or already underway—knowing your DHA number is one of the simplest, most actionable steps you can take to support a full-term, healthy delivery.
