Researchers studied whether omega-3 fatty acids (a nutrient found in fish oil) given to pregnant rats could prevent brain problems similar to schizophrenia in their babies. They compared pregnant rats that received omega-3 supplements with those that didn’t, then tested the offspring’s behavior and brain structure as adults. The results suggest that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy may reduce some schizophrenia-like symptoms, including unusual movement patterns and memory problems, and may protect the brain’s structure and function. While these findings are promising, this research was done in rats, so more studies are needed before we know if the same benefits apply to humans.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether giving pregnant rats omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil nutrients) could prevent brain problems similar to schizophrenia in their offspring
  • Who participated: Pregnant Wistar rats (a common laboratory rat breed) that were either exposed to a substance that triggers immune system activation or a control substance. Some received omega-3 supplements during pregnancy while others received standard food
  • Key finding: Omega-3 supplementation prevented excessive movement and some memory problems in offspring, and protected the brain’s structure and function, particularly when given throughout the entire pregnancy
  • What it means for you: This research suggests omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may have protective effects on brain development, but these findings are from animal studies. More human research is needed before doctors might recommend this as a preventive strategy. If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your nutrition

The Research Details

Scientists used pregnant rats to study whether omega-3 fatty acids could prevent schizophrenia-like problems. They divided the pregnant rats into groups: some received a substance that triggers an immune response (similar to certain infections during pregnancy), while others received a harmless salt solution. Within each group, some rats ate food enriched with omega-3 fatty acids starting either at day 15 of pregnancy until birth, or throughout the entire pregnancy. The remaining rats ate standard food.

After the baby rats grew into adults, researchers tested them in several ways. They measured how much the rats moved around, how anxious they seemed, and how well they remembered things. They also used advanced brain imaging techniques (PET scans and MRI) to look at how the brain was using energy and to measure the size and structure of different brain regions.

This approach allowed researchers to see whether the omega-3 supplements could prevent the brain changes and behavioral problems that typically appeared in offspring exposed to the immune-triggering substance during pregnancy.

This research design is important because it uses a recognized animal model that mimics how certain infections during pregnancy might increase the risk of schizophrenia in humans. By testing omega-3 supplementation in this model, researchers can understand whether this nutrient might have protective effects on brain development before testing it in humans. The combination of behavioral tests and brain imaging provides multiple ways to measure whether the treatment actually works

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication. The researchers used established laboratory methods and multiple ways to measure outcomes, which strengthens the findings. However, this is animal research, so results may not directly apply to humans. The study doesn’t specify the exact number of rats used, which would help readers understand the study’s statistical power. The findings are preliminary and should be confirmed by additional research

What the Results Show

Omega-3 supplementation had several protective effects on the offspring’s brains and behavior. When pregnant rats received omega-3-enriched food, their offspring showed less excessive movement compared to offspring whose mothers didn’t receive the supplements. This is important because excessive movement is one of the schizophrenia-like symptoms researchers were trying to prevent.

The supplements also helped protect short-term memory when given starting at day 15 of pregnancy. Interestingly, when omega-3 was given throughout the entire pregnancy, it provided better protection for the brain’s white matter (the connections between brain cells) and prevented certain structural changes in the brain’s ventricles (fluid-filled spaces).

Brain imaging revealed that omega-3 supplementation prevented some of the metabolic changes (how the brain uses energy) and structural changes in the brain’s cortex (the outer layer responsible for thinking and decision-making) that typically occur in offspring exposed to the immune-triggering substance. Both timing approaches of omega-3 supplementation (starting at day 15 or throughout pregnancy) provided some protection, though the full-pregnancy approach appeared to offer more comprehensive benefits.

Beyond the main findings, the research showed that omega-3 supplementation prevented the enlargement of the brain’s ventricles that typically occurs in this model. The supplements also appeared to protect the structural integrity of white matter in the brain, which is important for communication between different brain regions. These structural protections suggest that omega-3 may work by supporting healthy brain development at a fundamental level

Previous research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce symptoms in people who already have schizophrenia when used alongside other treatments. This new study extends that research by asking whether omega-3 might prevent these problems from developing in the first place. The findings align with growing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids support brain health and development, and suggest that the timing of supplementation (during pregnancy) may be particularly important for protective effects

This research was conducted in rats, not humans, so we cannot be certain the same effects would occur in pregnant women. The study doesn’t specify how many rats were used, making it difficult to assess the statistical strength of the findings. The research used a specific model of immune activation during pregnancy, which may not represent all situations that increase schizophrenia risk in humans. Additionally, the study measured brain changes and behavior in young adult rats, so we don’t know if these protective effects last throughout life or how they might compare to other prevention strategies

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy appears promising for potentially preventing some schizophrenia-like brain changes and behavioral problems. However, confidence in applying this to humans is currently low because this is preliminary animal research. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy and have concerns about schizophrenia risk (such as family history), discuss omega-3 supplementation with your healthcare provider. General prenatal nutrition guidelines already recommend adequate omega-3 intake, so ensuring you meet standard recommendations is reasonable

This research is most relevant to pregnant women, particularly those with family history of schizophrenia or other psychiatric conditions. Healthcare providers who care for pregnant women may find this research interesting as it suggests a potential preventive approach. Researchers studying schizophrenia prevention should pay attention to these findings. People already diagnosed with schizophrenia should not change their treatment based on this study, but may discuss omega-3 as a complementary approach with their doctor

In this animal study, protective effects were measured when the offspring reached adulthood (several months after birth in rats). In humans, any preventive effects would likely take years to become apparent, as schizophrenia typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. If omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy does help prevent schizophrenia in humans, the benefits would not be immediately obvious but might reduce risk over the long term

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If pregnant, track daily omega-3 intake (in grams) from food sources like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, or from supplements if recommended by your doctor. Set a daily target based on prenatal nutrition guidelines (typically 200-300mg of DHA daily) and log consumption to ensure consistency throughout pregnancy
  • Work with your healthcare provider to incorporate omega-3-rich foods into your prenatal diet or discuss appropriate supplementation. This might include eating fish 2-3 times weekly, adding walnuts or chia seeds to meals, or taking a prenatal vitamin with omega-3. Use the app to set reminders for consistent intake and track which foods you’re using to meet your omega-3 goals
  • Track omega-3 intake throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Note any dietary changes or supplement adjustments made with your doctor’s guidance. After birth, continue monitoring your child’s development through regular pediatric checkups, which can help identify any developmental concerns early. Use the app to maintain a long-term record of prenatal nutrition practices for future reference or pregnancies

This research was conducted in laboratory rats and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to make medical decisions without consulting a healthcare provider. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or have concerns about schizophrenia risk, discuss these findings and any supplementation with your obstetrician or primary care doctor. Do not start, stop, or change any medications or supplements during pregnancy without medical guidance. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual circumstances vary, and what may be appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another.