Did you know that prenatal omega 3 fatty acid intake should be higher than what is recommended for non-pregnant women? A woman’s needs are also higher when she is breast feeding. If her dietary needs for DHA are not met, she could experience a variety of health problems.
DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 that is essential for normal brain development in the fetus and in the infant. It continues to be important throughout a person’s life. A lack of it throughout a person’s life could be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s. Research concerning that is currently ongoing.
DHA is naturally present in human breast milk. Many infant formulas are now fortified with it, too. For years, studies had shown that breast fed babies developed cognitive functions faster than formula fed infants. It was only recently that DHA was isolated as the difference. It is not present in cow’s milk or soy products.
In fact, the only real dietary source of DHA is fish. If a woman does not eat fish on a regular basis, her blood levels will be low. Her body will make sure that the baby gets enough, but her own health could fail.
Some studies indicate that taking prenatal omega 3 supplements could reduce a woman’s risk of post-partum depression. Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream have long been associated with depressive disorders. A woman’s blood level of DHA is extremely low right after delivery. So, it stands to reason that a lack of DHA plays a role in post-partum depression.
There is always concern when a woman that suffers from depression becomes pregnant. If she is taking anti-depressant drugs, her baby has a greater risk of certain kinds of congenital heart defects. But, being depressed during pregnancy is dangerous, too.
It is hoped that prenatal omega 3 supplements may help. Studies indicate that it helps with other things, as well.
Babies born to mothers that got enough omega-3s during pregnancy have a reduced risk of asthma and allergies. The same is true of breast-fed children.
Other studies have shown that the babies develop their visual acuity faster, when their mom’s got plenty of DHA. Not only is it found in the brain, it is also found in the back of the eye. A recent study concluded that high intake of DHA throughout a person’s life decreases their risk of age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in the elderly.
If you do decide to take a prenatal omega 3 supplement, you should check out the manufacturer’s standards for purity and freshness. You don’t want to be exposed to mercury or other contaminants and a spoiled supplement could make you ill.
You should also follow the manufacturer’s directions concerning dosage, unless your doctor has made a specific recommendation. More is not better when it comes to dietary supplements.
In conclusion, there are likely other benefits of prenatal omega 3 supplements. The ones mentioned here are those that have been the subjects of numerous studies. We’re sure the nutrient is important for you and your baby.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-the-best-prenatal-omega-3-1398586.html