The effects of cannabis on fetal development are under increasing scientific scrutiny as cannabis use during pregnancy becomes more widespread globally. A new study offers hopeful findings: omega-3 fatty acids may protect developing hearts against cannabis exposure during pregnancy by supporting heart and brain health.
A recent analysis, published in Scientific Reports, examined the impact of cannabis’s psychoactive component, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on fetal heart development. This groundbreaking study is one of the first to explore how maternal nutritional supplements might mitigate the developmental harms associated with prenatal THC exposure.
Researchers conducted the study using a rat pregnancy model, administering THC daily to pregnant rats throughout gestation. At the same time, they supplemented the maternal diet with omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The results were striking.
THC exposure was associated with:
Lower birth weights
Abnormal heart function, including decreased stroke volume and reduced cardiac output
However, when pregnant rats received omega-3 supplements alongside THC, these adverse effects were significantly reduced. Supplementation prevented birth weight loss and protected against the decline in heart function in the offspring. Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids provided a protective effect by reducing markers of heart stress, tissue remodeling, and inflammation.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that omega-3s modified the activity of cannabinoid receptors in the heart tissue. This suggests that nutritional supplementation may influence how THC interacts with developing fetal organs.
Public health officials are increasingly concerned about the rise in cannabis use among pregnant women. Many expectant mothers use cannabis to alleviate nausea and anxiety, often unaware of potential risks to fetal development. As cannabis legalization expands across many regions, accurate information about its safety during pregnancy is critical.
Importantly, the study does not suggest that cannabis use during pregnancy is safe when combined with omega-3 supplementation. Instead, it highlights that certain nutrients may reduce, but not eliminate, the risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure.
Beyond brain and eye health, omega-3s may offer broader fetal protection, defending critical organs like the heart from environmental stresses, including drug exposure during pregnancy.
While these findings are promising, they are based on rat models. The researchers emphasize that further studies in humans are essential to confirm whether similar protective effects occur. Long-term monitoring of heart function and clinical data from human pregnancies will be crucial to understanding the full implications.
This study opens new possibilities for developing prenatal nutritional strategies to protect against common environmental risks. As cannabis use becomes more mainstream, ongoing research will be vital to guide healthcare recommendations for pregnant women.
Lee, Kendrick et al. “Maternal dietary DHA and EPA supplementation ameliorates adverse cardiac outcomes in THC-exposed rat offspring.” Scientific Reports, vol. 15, no. 1, 8316. 10 Mar. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-92844-6
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Farhath Sulthana/MSM)
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