Should Pregnant And Nursing Women Take Omega-3 Fishoil Health Supplements?
Posted by Babies - 31/07/10 at 10:07 amThere is clear evidence of the importance of the polyunsaturated fatty acids referred to as the Omega3 essential fatty acids and in particular DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) in the developing process of the human unborn infant and child. (And even for most people right through their existence.)
Previously many health professionals advised against nutritional supplementation with Omega3 fish oil dietary supplements containing the Omega3 efa’s for pregnant and nursing mothers..
However the evidence is growing that an sufficient supply of the fatty acids and particularly DHA is very important for adequate development of the fetus and child. And particularly to the mental growth of the fetus and baby, in addition to in other areas.
It is usually considered that babies which are breast fed have got a better rate of mental growth than those who are brought up on formula. Some scientists suspect that the main reason is for this is that mothers breast milk contains DHA in particular, whereas bottled milk usually doesn’t.
Addititionally there is data that premature babies are low in DHA. It is also thought that the reasons that this is the case is that they have not undergone the third trimester of pregnancy which is the time when most of the DHA needed for good development of the baby is laid down.
Studies are now showing that premature babies lacking in DHA can improve their rates of brain and intellectual improvement where breastfeeding moms complement their diet with fishoil capsules or where formula fed babies are fed DHA fortified formula.
And it’s not just premature infants. There’s apparent evidence that an sufficient amount of the Omega 3 essential fatty acids in the diet of babies is very important to the development of the infant in a number of different areas including brain development.
While the argument continues over whether expectant or breastfeeding moms should supplement their diet and the diet of their infants with the Omega 3 fats there is now little argument over the belief that the majority of us, and naturally that includes expectant and nursing women, are deficient in the polyunsaturated fatty acids known as the Omega3 fats. This is a result of the decline in our intake of seafood over the last hundred years.
Seafood and particularly oily fish is the primary source of the Omega3 fats in our diet.
Whether or not a pregnant or breastfeeding female ought to supplement her eating routine with fish oil health supplements is a subject between the woman and her medical professional. However the basic research is growing that babies require adequate amounts of the fatty acids in their diet for proper development.
Find out more regarding the fatty acids DHA and EPA and in particular about breastfeeding fish oil supplementation.
