Boost baby's brain power with omega-3 fatty acids
New research on the prenatal effects of omega-3 fatty acids shows that moms who consume enough in the third trimester might give their babies a boost in brain development.The study looked at just over 100 Inuit infants, measured the levels of DHA (an omega-3 acid) in their umbilical cord blood, and tested brain and eye development at 6 and 11 months old. Higher levels of DHA were associated with better performance at both time points. Results were published in this month's edition of The Journal of Pediatrics.
Current recommendations suggest that pregnant women get an average of 300 milligrams of DHA daily. These findings suggest that omega-3 consumption might be particularly important in the third trimester, when brain development is rapid.
Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish (tuna, salmon, halibut) and nut oils such as flaxseed and canola. Of course, women who are pregnant or nursing are advised to avoid some fish because of increased risk of mercury. Fish oil capsules and flaxseed oil can be used as dietary supplements to ensure good omega-3 consumption, and some prenatal vitamins already include DHA.
(If you're pregnant and interested in taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, please speak with your doctor!)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ethel 3-28-2008 @ 11:22AM
Um, it should be salmon then halibut then tuna. In particular tuna do not eat as much of the creatures that make the fatty acids as do salmon, and halibut tend to bottom feed where salmon feed - resulting in more omega fatty acids in them then in tuna. In particular, farm raised salmon are especially poor while wild salmon have high levels of DHA, and red (sockeye or O. nerka) have the highest levels since they eat primarily copepods that eat the algae that make DHA (they feed closer to the source).
And the reason that you might not want to take DHA supplements during pregnancy is that it might interfere with your clotting ability. Pretty good reason to talk your doc if you have clotting issues.
Oh yeah, and taking the supplements when lactating would be a good plan too.
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elisabeth 3-28-2008 @ 12:19PM
Along with my prenatal vitamin, I take a DHA supplement called Expecta. (made by Enfamil) I have taken both during my entire pregnancy and plan on continuing after the baby is born while breastfeeding.
My doc approved.
linda 4-16-2008 @ 4:17PM
I’d recommend to any mothers concerned about their health & comfort while pregnant to be taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements rich in the nutrients that a mother and baby need throughout pregnancy. You can find a lot more information on which you should be taking and what they’re good for on this site. And I completely agree with your comment above, to make sure you speak with your doctor beforehand about it. There is a such thing as too many vitamins!
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