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Eastern Michigan University

Current perceptions regarding the importance and safety of fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation among pregnant women

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Background: Previous studies suggest many pregnant women are under-consuming fatty fish and are deficient in omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids.</p> <p>Background: Previous studies suggest many pregnant women are under-consuming fatty fish and are deficient in omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids.</p> <p>Methods: A 10-question survey distributed to expectant mothers via an online survey and via paper form through 3 obstetric clinics over a 2-month period.</p> <p>Results: Of the 104 participants, 82% consumed less than 2-3 servings of fish per week, and at least 30% were confused about mercury content. Over 60% of doctors did not provide recommendations regarding ω-3 intake. One-third of participants neither consumed the recommended amount of fish nor took an ω-3 supplement. Nearly 98% took an ω-3 supplement when advised by a doctor.</p> <p>Conclusion: Knowledge regarding the safety and importance of fish consumption and/or ω- 3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy is inconsistent. Improved informational standards may be warranted.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science (MS)
Level thesis:degree_level
Open Access Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Health Sciences
Year dc:date.available
2010

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Ess, Jessica L
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Judi Brooks, PhD, RD, Chair
  • Rubina Haque, PhD, RD
  • Kyunghee Choi, MS, RD

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/273
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1272

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Eastern Michigan University
Base URL
commons.emich.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Ess, Jessica L. Current perceptions regarding the importance and safety of fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation among pregnant women. Open Access Thesis thesis, 2010. https://commons.emich.edu/theses/273