Maternal cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to worrying outcomes like low birth weight and cardiac deficits for newborns, according to new research. The study highlights the growing concern surrounding cannabis use, particularly the active ingredient delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has been linked to fetal growth restriction and future cardiovascular issues.
Recent data indicates rising rates of cannabis consumption among pregnant women. A survey reported usage among pregnant women jumped from 3.4% in 2012 to 7% by 2017. While some women rely on cannabis for symptom management during pregnancy—such as managing chronic pain or severe nausea—the risks associated with THC exposure, particularly its impact on fetal development, are becoming increasingly evident.
Research has shown THC easily crosses the placenta. Preclinical studies indicate maternal rats exposed to THC show significant reductions in birth weight and eventual cardiac dysfunctions detected postnatally. It was previously shown, for example, exposure levels of 3 mg/kg/day THC resulted in fetal growth restriction, raising alarms about potential lifelong cardiovascular risk for offspring.
This new study, conducted by Laviolette and colleagues, explored whether dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids could mitigate the harmful effects induced by THC exposure. Omega-3s, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have previously demonstrated cardioprotective properties. To investigate its efficacy, pregnant rats were fed diets enriched with DHA and EPA during gestation.
The study results were promising: offspring exposed to both THC and omega-3-rich diets did not exhibit the same growth deficits seen in those exposed solely to THC. At birth, those consuming the DHA and EPA diet displayed significantly increased body weights compared to their THC-exposed counterparts on standard diets.
Severe cardiac abnormalities associated with THC exposure were also improved. Echocardiographic assessments of male offspring indicated significantly enhanced cardiac function—evidenced by increased stroke volume and cardiac output—among those whose mothers consumed the omega-3-enriched diet. "Maternal dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids ameliorates both THC-induced fetal growth and postnatal cardiac deficits in offspring," wrote the authors of the article.
Central to these findings is the pivotal role of fatty acid composition. The diet enriched with DHA and EPA resulted in significant increases of these fatty acids within the liver and heart tissues of the offspring, accompanied by decreases in arachidonic acid (AA), known for its pro-inflammatory effects. The results indicated potential pathways by which omega-3s exert their cardioprotective benefits, such as altering inflammatory responses and the functioning of the endocannabinoid system impacted by THC.
Significantly, the study also noted maternal THC exposure led to increased levels of TNFα, potentially exacerbated cardiac remodeling and function postnatally, but this was not observed when offspring were supplemented with omega-3s. Although not wholly alleviated, the presence of omega-3 dietary intervention presented notable reductions, showcasing their potential role as protective agents against the adverse cardiac effects associated with THC exposure.
Despite these findings, the study's authors maintain caution about the broader use of cannabis during pregnancy. While omega-3s appear beneficial, eliminating cannabis use remains the optimal recommendation for reducing risks to fetal health. This important research contributes to the growing discourse on maternal nutrition and discusses how dietary interventions using omega-3 fatty acids may bolster fetal health. The question of whether similar benefits could apply to female offspring or persist as they grow remains, warranting future exploration.
Given the rising trend of cannabis use among expectant mothers, it becomes increasingly imperative for clinicians and policymakers to address this issue. Balancing the potential benefits of cannabis against the established risks to fetal health is key. Solutions like encouraging healthy dietary practices during pregnancy, including omega-3 supplementation, may provide pathways for reducing the impact of cannabis-related exposures.
Overall, the study reinforces the necessity for continued research in this domain, proposing interventions aimed at dietary modification as feasible options to combat adversities induced by maternal cannabis use during pregnancy. Ongoing investigations are needed to unravel the full extent of omega-3s' benefits, informing guidelines for pregnant women potentially exposed to harmful substances like THC.