Maternal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation ameliorated both THC-induced fetal growth restriction and postnatal cardiac deficits in rat offspring, potentially through altered cardiac fatty acids and reduced endocannabinoid system signaling.
Prenatal researchers, obstetricians, and harm reduction advocates.
Omega-3 reversed both THC-induced growth restriction and cardiac deficits
What the researchers found
Maternal THC exposure led to decreased birthweight and early cardiac deficits in offspring. Dietary omega-3 supplementation reversed both THC-induced fetal growth restriction and postnatal cardiac deficits. The protective effect appeared to involve alterations in cardiac and hepatic fatty acids, reduced cardiac collagen deposition, and decreased cardiac endocannabinoid system signaling.
Why it matters
This is the first study to explore an intervention for maternal THC-induced cardiovascular deficits in offspring. With rising cannabis use in pregnancy and emerging evidence of cardiac consequences, a dietary intervention like omega-3s could be clinically practical.
The numbers in context
Maternal THC reduced birthweight. Omega-3 reversed growth restriction and cardiac deficits. Cardiac collagen deposition reduced. Endocannabinoid signaling decreased with omega-3.
How the study worked
Rat model with maternal THC exposure and dietary omega-3 (DHA and EPA) supplementation. Assessed fetal growth, postnatal cardiac outcomes, cardiac and hepatic fatty acid profiles, collagen deposition, and endocannabinoid system markers.
What this study cannot tell us
Animal model. Single THC dose regimen may not reflect human use patterns. Omega-3 dose may not be achievable through diet alone. Long-term offspring outcomes not assessed. Cannot determine if omega-3 fully prevents or merely reduces harm.
How to read the evidence
First study of an intervention for prenatal THC cardiac effects, but animal model and single dosing regimen limit translation.
When this study was published
2025 study published in Scientific Reports presenting the first intervention data.
The bigger picture
If omega-3 supplementation can mitigate THC-induced fetal harm, it could be recommended as a harm reduction strategy for pregnant women who continue cannabis use. However, this would need human confirmation and should not be interpreted as making cannabis use safe in pregnancy.
Questions still open
- Could omega-3 supplementation be recommended as harm reduction for pregnant cannabis users?
- Does the endocannabinoid system reduction from omega-3 have its own implications?
Common questions
Can omega-3 protect against cannabis harm during pregnancy?
How does omega-3 protect the fetal heart from THC?
Read the original research
Maternal dietary DHA and EPA supplementation ameliorates adverse cardiac outcomes in THC-exposed rat offspring.
Scientific reports, 15(1), 8316
Citation
Lee, Kendrick; Sarikahya, Mohammed H; Cousineau, Samantha L; Yeung, Ken K-C; Lucas, Amica; Loudon, Kara; Tomy, Thane; Tomy, Gregg T; Natale, David R C; Laviolette, Steven R; Hardy, Daniel B. (2025). Maternal dietary DHA and EPA supplementation ameliorates adverse cardiac outcomes in THC-exposed rat offspring.. Scientific reports, 15(1), 8316. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-92844-6
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