Effect of Omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on cognitive functions in rat offspring

Abstract

Aim This study investigates the effects of omega-3 supplementation starting in the preconception period, during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks of pregnancy, and lactation on the cognitive functions of rat offspring. Methods The study involved 30 mother rats divided into a test group receiving 400mg/kg/day omega-3 supplementation via oral gavage and a control group with no supplementation. Omega-3 supplementation began at different stages for each group and continued through the lactation period (21 days). Two male pups from each mother, for a total of 60 pups, were tested for cognitive function at 45 days using the Morris Water Maze to assess spatial learning and reference memory. Results Significant differences were found between groups in initial weights, pre-mating weights, pre-birth weights, number of pups, and gestation duration (p<0.05), but not in weight gain during pregnancy (p>0.05). The time to find the platform on test days 1 and 2 was significantly different between groups (p<0.05). Differences in platform-finding times across trials were also significant (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the probe test on day 5 (p>0.05). Conclusion Initiating omega-3 supplementation during the early stages of pregnancy may be more effective for both short-term and long-term memory.