Omega 3 Fatty Acids And DHA. Breastfeeding Mothers Need To Increase Their Intake Of Both For The Health Of Their Babies.
Posted by Babies - 30/12/09 at 10:12 amThere are now clear benefits established of the benefits of DHA, and these extend to health benefits for a fetus or growing baby. Studies have shown that over 90 percent of us are deficient in DHA, (together with EPA), the 2 most essential fatty acids. These are found in fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant mothers have powerful reasons to supplement their diet with omega 3 supplements containing DHA and EPA. There are many benefits of breastfeeding, and one of the best breastfeeding tips for nursing mothers is to maintain the levels of DHA in her breast milk.
It is now known that growing fetuses have a high demand for both DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the 2 most important of the omega 3 essential fatty acids. However once the baby is born that demand for an adequate supply of DHA and EPA does not decrease. And of course for a fetus or for a baby that supply of DHA comes from the mother, certainly in cases where the mother is breastfeeding.
Studies are now clearly showing the importance of adequate levels of DHA in the breastmilk of breastfeeding mothers. The studies are showing that babies of breastfeeding mothers who supplement their diet with fish oil supplements show much higher scores at 30 months of age on psychomotor development, do better in IQ assessments and have better visual development.
These are powerful reasons for a breastfeeding mother to increase her intake of fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers, like the rest of our population, are generally deficient in the important omega 3 essential fatty acids.
If you have a diet rich in seafood then this may not apply to you however the studies show that almost all of us do not eat enough seafood. There are various reasons for this including that it is now well recognized that much of the fish we eat is contaminated with nasty contaminants such as mercury. And fish is also very expensive.
It is possible to get omega 3 essential fats from plant based sources but these are a different form of fatty acid and this plant-based form of Omega3 fats is not nearly as beneficial to us as the omega 3 found in fish oil.
The perfect way for a breastfeeding mother to increase the levels of DHA in her milk is to undertake daily omega 3 supplementation with omega 3 capsules based on fish oil with DHA. Breastfeeding mothers can do this daily and much more cost effectively than eating fish. And the best fish oil capsules available are completely free of any contamination.
The jury is now in on the benefits of fish oil for babies of breastfeeding mothers. Powerful reasons are established for mothers to undertake omega 3 supplementation right from conception, through pregnancy, during breastfeeding and even thereafter for their own health.
But it’s important to know that not all Omega 3 capsules are the same. You need to know how to compare the different fish oil capsules available on the market to find those that represent the best value and the best effectiveness.
Visit my website to find out how to compare the different Omega 3 capsules available.
