The Benefits of OmeThe Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil in Pregnancyga 3 Fish Oil in Pregnancy
Filed Under Fish Oil, Omega 3, Omega 3 Supplements
The benefits of omega-3 fish oil in pregnancy are numerous, just as they are for non-pregnant folks. It’s just that an adult already has a fully developed brain. We simply need to keep it well nourished in order to retain all of our cognitive abilities. The brain of the fetus is still developing and a major component of the brain is a specific omega-3 called Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, for short.
Human brains are composed primarily of fatty acids. In an adult brain, about 40% of those fatty acids are DHA. In an infant’s brain, about 70% are DHA. If mom does not get enough DHA in her diet, then baby’s brain cannot develop properly. Studies indicate that only 2% of pregnant women get enough DHA every day. Most consume less than 18% of the minimum daily recommendation.
Many doctors and scientists suggest 900-1000mg of fish oil in pregnancy to provide a minimum of 200-300mg of DHA. But, not all fish oils contain that much. If you read the supplement labels, you will see that some manufacturers do not list the amount of DHA that is in each gram of fat. Most supplements contain only about 100mg of DHA per gram.
If you do choose a good supplement that provides a minimum of 200mg per capsule, the health benefits include a reduced risk of preeclampsia and premature birth and a significantly reduced risk of postpartum depression. Research has shown that omega-3 supplementation is beneficial for relieving symptoms of depression in pregnant and non-pregnant people. Some researchers believe that the increased incidence of depression that is seen in today’s society is due largely to a lack of omega-3s in the diet.
Other benefits of fish oil in pregnancy have to do with the baby’s immune system. Allergies and asthma are conditions related to improper immune system responses to stimuli. Inflammation occurs when there is no need for it. Research has shown that there is a lower incidence of allergies and asthma among children whose mothers met their requirements for omega-3s while they were pregnant and continued to do so during breast feeding.
In adults, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support healthy immune system function by modulating inflammation. In the body, they are converted to less inflammatory molecules than their cousins, the omega-6s. They have also been shown to stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory molecules.
Taking fish oil in pregnancy is only beneficial if the supplement is free of mercury and other toxins. Find out what standards the manufacturer has set for contaminant content. The information will typically be listed on their website.
If you are vegan or vegetarian and decide to go with an omega-3 supplement from a vegetable source, you should know that the only ones that provide DHA are derived certain types of marine algae. Flaxseed supplements do not provide DHA.
Talk to your doctor about taking fish oil in pregnancy and then choose the healthiest supplements. It is one of the best things that you can do for your health and for your baby.
Valerie Rosenbaum thinks taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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