Polyunsaturated fatty acids and fetal brain development: Unfulfilled promises

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.