FKUI Doctors study the benefits and effects of probiotic and Omega-3 supplementation to meet the fiber needs of pregnant women – Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia

Weight changes during pregnancy are an important indicator for estimating pregnancy outcomes. Lack of weight can increase the risk of fetal growth restriction and low birth weight. On the other hand, being overweight can increase the risk of having a large baby.

The most recent research dr. Dwi Susanti, MPH from the Doctoral Research Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI) identified the effects of probiotic and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on changes in body weight and gut hormones in pregnant women.

This research is part of the BRAVE study (NCT 03851120) led by Prof. Dr. Dr. Rina Agustina, M. Nutrition from FKUI group Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI) Human Nutrition Research Center (HNRC). This study aims to identify the effect of probiotics and omega-3 on pregnant women’s weight and their gut hormones. In this study, the treatment group received probiotic capsules and high doses of omega-3, while the control group received placebo capsules and standard doses of omega-3.

“The combination of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and postpartum can change the diversity of gut bacteria. “These intestinal bacteria digest insoluble fiber into short-chain fatty acids that stimulate the secretion of appetite-reducing gut hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY,” said Dr. Dwi Susanti.

Observations were made from the second trimester to six months after birth. 214 of the 314 pregnant women enrolled in this study were included. The results show that the amount of fiber in pregnant women in Jakarta is very low. However, no significant differences were found in postpartum weight gain, weight loss, waist circumference reduction, and waist circumference ratio between the treatment and control groups. In addition, the proportion of pregnant women with high concentrations of gut hormones GLP-1 and PYY did not differ between the two groups.

This study indicated that probiotic and omega-3 supplementation did not affect changes in maternal weight or gut hormones during pregnancy and postpartum. “This medicine is safe to use during pregnancy and the postpartum period to get other health benefits without worrying about changes in the mother’s weight,” continued Dr. Dwi Susanti.

This research also emphasizes the importance of increased fiber intake in pregnant women to support their health during pregnancy. The results of this study provide health practitioners and pregnant women with new insights into the benefits and safety of probiotic and omega-3 supplementation.

Dr. Dwi successfully presented his thesis entitled “Effects of Probiotic Supplements and Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Pregnant Women’s Anthropometrics and Intestinal Hormones” in an open doctoral promotion session in the 3rd Floor Auditorium of IMERI FKUI Building, Jakarta, on 17 July 2024. successfully answered the complaints and questions from the investigation team in the chair Prof. Dr. Aryono Hendarto, Sp.A(K), MPHwith members composed of Prof. Dr. Pradana Soewondo, Sp.PD, KEMD; Prof. dr. Marcellus Simadibrata, Sp.PD, KGEH; Dr. dr. Rima Irwinda, Sp.OG., KFM and guest examiners from the University of Airlangga, that is Dr. Dr. Purwo Sri Rejeki, M. Kes.

The session was in the chair Prof. Dr. Dr. Rini Sekartini, Sp.A(K) by promoters Prof. dr. Head of Budi, Sp.OG, KFER, MPHand the co-elevator Prof. Dr. Rina Agustina, M. Gizi, Ph.D and Dr. Anuraj H. Shankar from Oxford University.

(FKUI Public Relations)