How to Omega-3 FAtty Acids and Pregancy

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When pregnant, proper pregnancy nutrition obviously results in an increased need for the right nutrients. Deficiency or excess of any number of nutrients can lead to birth defects or complications during pregnancy for the mother. Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) from fish oils are of major importance for proper nutrition during pregnancy, not only for fetal development, but for the mother as well. For example, DHA is a major component of the brain and other neural tissue including the cells in the retina of the eye. All essential fatty acids are important for normal fetal development. DHA is particularly important because the fetus and/or premature infants cannot produce DHA efficiently. Significant brain and eye development occurs during fetal development and continues during infant development. Infants rely on their paternal supply of DHA for the developing brain (grey matter) and eyes, initially through the placenta and then through breast milk. DHA is the building block of human brain tissue and is particularly abundant in the grey matter of the brain and the retina. DHA is particularly important for fetuses and infants; the DHA content of the infant's brain triples during the first three months of life. DHA is the most abundant omega-3 long chain fatty acid in breast milk and studies show that breast-fed babies have IQ advantages over babies fed formula lacking DHA. Unfortunately, DHA levels in the breast milk of U.S. women are among the lowest in the world. Therefore, increasing DHA levels should be a primary goal for all pregnant or lactating women. To add, low levels of DHA have recently been associated with depression and visual problems. Making matters worse is the fact that the United States is the only country in the world where infant formulas are generally not fortified with DHA, this despite a 1995 recommendation by the World Health Organization that all baby formulas should provide 40 mg of DHA per kilogram of infant body weight. Scientist believe that postpartum depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and low IQs are all linked to the low DHA intake commonly found in the U.S. Low DHA levels have been linked to low brain serotonin levels which again are connected to an increased tendency to depression, suicide, and violence. DHA is abundant in cold-water fish and nutritionists now recommend that people eat fish. If this is not possible, it is recommended to supplement with a minimum of 100 mg/day of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Postpartum Depression (baby blues) and Omega-3 Fish Oils: Postpartum depression, or baby blues, should be of major concern during pregnancy. By adding the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to your diet, you can significantly decrease the effects of postpartum depression. Current research shows a link between a mother's DHA intake and postpartum depression, the latter of which affects 15-20%. Read more: http://www.softecare.com/Ingredients/omega-3_fetal_development.cfm