Effect of Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on the Perinatal Outcome and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood

Elli SM Gultom*, Hermanto T.J*, Margarita Maramis**

*Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, **Department of Psychiatry, Airlangga University School of Medicine, Surabaya

Presented at ISOG Congress XIV Surabaya August 2009

ABSTRACT

Objective : Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein that is abundant in brain and peripheral nerve. It affects neuron development, growth and survival. The purpose of this study is to compare the level of BDNF in human umbilical cord blood from newborns between intervention and non intervention group to the Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy.

Design and Method : Analytical and experimental study, randomized controlled, double blind controlled trial. The sample: low risk pregnancy in 32 weeks of gestational age, that were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group consumed soft gel capsule DHA/EPA 214/20 mg once daily until delivery. In both groups, stressor rating scale and eating pattern were analyzed. After delivery the perinatal outcome were analyzed. The levels of BDNF newborn umbilical cord blood were measured by ELISA method.

Result : There were no differences in birthweight, head circumference, Apgar score, IUGR, IUFD, need for resuscitation and admission to NICU between the two groups. Statistically, the level of BDNF in newborns umbilical cord blood of non intervention group was not significantly different from intervention group (10259.87±3875.392: 9430.73±2910.077, p:0.513).

Conclusion : The Level of BDNF newborns umbilical cord blood were not significant differences between Intervention group and non Intervention group. The duration and dosage of the DHA should be adjusted to the International guidelines

Keywords : Pregnant women, DHA, BDNF.