Şenay Burçin ALKAN, Abdullah ÖKSÜZ
Food and Health - 2026;12(4):374-386
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important for the neurological development of the fetus during pregnancy. Since dietary intake of EPA and DHA is generally insufficient in the general population, dietary supplements are recommended for pregnant women. This study aims to analyze the fatty acid composition of commercially produced dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids for pregnant women, to determine the differences between products, and to evaluate the consistency of DHA:EPA ratios with label claims. In current research, the fatty acid composition of 9 different brands of dietary supplements was determined using gas chromatography. All supplements contained both EPA and DHA, though in widely varying proportions. EPA and DHA percentages ranged from 4.8 to 19.7% and 3.3 to 59.4%, respectively. Brands 1 and 6 contained significantly lower EPA and DHA levels compared to other brands. Furthermore, three supplements (Brands 1, 4, and 6) displayed DHA:EPA ratio variances exceeding +/-20% of their labeled declarations. Large variation in fatty acid composition among supplements underscores the need for rigorous quality control and accurate omega-3 labeling.
