PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Gideon Koren TI - Polyunsaturated fatty acids and fetal brain development DP - 2015 Jan 01 TA - Canadian Family Physician PG - 41--42 VI - 61 IP - 1 4099 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/61/1/41.short 4100 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/61/1/41.full SO - Can Fam Physician2015 Jan 01; 61 AB - Question I have learned that one of the manufacturers of prenatal vitamins has added omega-3 fatty acids and claims that they help support fetal cognitive health and brain function. Is this based on evidence? Answer The claim that polyunsaturated fatty acids help improve fetal brain and eye development has been made for more than a decade. Unfortunately it is not supported by evidence-based science. Long-term studies have failed to show such effects. Implying to women that using these products will improve the brain development of their children is unwarranted and misleading. Health Canada should clarify the contradictions in its statements about omega-3 fatty acids.