Model-Based Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Routine Omega-3 Testing and Targeted Supplementation to Reduce Early Preterm Birth in Australia Compared with Current Practice

Every year, thousands of babies in Australia are born too early, putting them at risk of serious health
problems and placing a heavy burden on families and the health system. Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy face the greatest risks of death, intensive care, long hospital stays, and lifelong challenges. This study suggests that adding omega-3 blood testing with targeted supplementation to routine pregnancy care in Australia could prevent about 640 very preterm births annually and save millions in healthcare costs, offering both clinical and economic benefits. However, its findings are limited by being conducted in a high-income country, which may not apply to low- and middle-income settings, and by the relatively small sample size of 17.5%, which reduces the strength of its conclusions.