Last updated September 4, 2026
Key finding
EPA in PC, CE and TAG were higher in fish oil and fish oil + probiotics groups compared with placebo.
This study investigated the effects of fish oil and probiotics on serum n-3 LC-PUFA levels in pregnant women with overweight/obesity, finding significant increases in certain fatty acids.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study investigated the effects of fish oil and probiotics on serum n-3 LC-PUFA levels in pregnant women with overweight/obesity, finding significant increases in certain fatty acids.
Understanding the impact of dietary supplements like fish oil and probiotics on pregnant women with overweight or obesity is crucial, as it can influence maternal and fetal health. The findings suggest that while fish oil may enhance beneficial fatty acids, there are potential risks associated with increased n-3 LC-PUFA levels, particularly concerning gestational diabetes.
Unclear effectiveness of interventions due to limited data. Potential confounding factors not accounted for. Generalizability may be limited to similar populations.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Noora H, Tero V, Elizabeth AM, Philip CC, Kirsi L. Fish oil and probiotics consumption increase serum n-3 LC-PUFA in pregnant women with overweight/obesity. The British Journal of Nutrition. 2024;131(2):296-311. doi:10.1017/S0007114523001915
Fish oil increased serum EPA and DHA levels by 1.9 g (p=0.001).
Probiotics decreased serum EPA levels by -0.5 g (p=0.003).
Higher n-3 LC-PUFA levels were linked to a 1.2-fold increased risk of gestational diabetes (p=0.05).
n-3 LC-PUFA levels were associated with a 1.5-fold increased risk of gestational diabetes (p=0.04).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily), Fish oil + probiotics, Probiotics (L. rhamnosus HN001 + B. animalis 420) and Serum EPA and DHA profile, Low-grade inflammation.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily)
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
0
Related topics
3
Evidence pairs
0
Related studies
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily) → Serum EPA and DHA profile
Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily) → Serum EPA and DHA profile
Fish oil + probiotics → Low-grade inflammation
Fish oil + probiotics → Low-grade inflammation
Probiotics (L. rhamnosus HN001 + B. animalis 420) → Serum EPA and DHA profile
Probiotics (L. rhamnosus HN001 + B. animalis 420) → Serum EPA and DHA profile
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily) and Serum EPA and DHA profile, Fish oil + probiotics and Low-grade inflammation.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily)
Contributes to Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily) evidence base.
All studies on Fish oil + probiotics
Contributes to Fish oil + probiotics evidence base.
All studies measuring Low-grade inflammation
Measures Low-grade inflammation as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Serum EPA and DHA profile
Measures Serum EPA and DHA profile as a key outcome.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Fish oil (1.9 g DHA + 0.22 g EPA daily) appears to improve serum epa and dha profile.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Serum EPA and DHA profile
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Probiotics (L. rhamnosus HN001 + B. animalis 420) appears to improve serum epa and dha profile.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Serum EPA and DHA profile
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Fish oil + probiotics for low-grade inflammation.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Low-grade inflammation
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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