subject: Should Currently Pregnant Women Take Omega-3 Fishoil Pills? [print this page] There is distinct proof of the importance of the fatty acids called the Omega 3 efas and particularly DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) in the developing process of the human unborn infant and child. (And for that matter for all people right through their life.)
Previously many health care professionals advised against dietary supplementation with Omega3 fish oil health supplements containing the Omega 3 fatty acids for pregnant and nursing women..
However the evidence is growing that an sufficient supply of the polyunsaturated fatty acids and particularly DHA is essential for adequate growth of the fetus and child. And in particular for the mental growth of the unborn infant and child, in addition to in some other areas.
It's generally considered that toddlers who are breast fed have a better rate of brain growth compared to those who are brought up on formula. Some scientists suspect that the main reason is for this is that moms breastmilk contains DHA especially, whereas bottled milk usually doesn't.
There is also evidence that premature babies are deficient in DHA. It's also thought the reasons that this is the case is they haven't undergone the third trimester of pregnancy which is the time when much of the DHA necessary for the development of the baby is laid down.
Scientific studies at the moment are showing that preterm babies low in DHA can increase their rates of brain and intellectual improvement where breastfeeding mothers complement their diet with fish oil pills or where formula fed infants are fed DHA fortified formula.
And it's not just premature infants. There is clear proof an adequate level of the Omega 3 efa's in the diet of all infants is very important to the development of the baby in a variety of diverse areas which includes mental development.
While the argument remains over whether expectant or breastfeeding women should supplement their own diet and the diet of their infants with the Omega 3 fats now there is little argument over the belief that most of us, and of course that involves expectant and breastfeeding women, are deficient in the essential fatty acids known as the Omega 3 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 Omega-3 fats in our diet.
Whether or not a expectant or breastfeeding woman should augment her eating routine with fish oil supplements is a matter involving the woman and her doctor. Nevertheless the basic research is growing that infants require adequate amounts of the fatty acids in their diet for appropriate growth.
Find out more about the efa's DHA and EPA and in particular about omega-3 supplements.
by: Peter Leigh
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