Fish Oil And Pregnancy
Studies concerning omega-3 fish oil and pregnancy have revealed interesting results. Some of them cannot be fully explained. Others are easy to understand.
Here’s a look at both.
Starting with the brain, research has shown that mother’s with a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to have children with learning disabilities and developmental difficulties. That one is easy to understand, because DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found only in the oils of some fish species, accounts for more than 40% of the fatty acids in the brain.
It makes up the membranes surrounding the brain cells and nerve endings. It is not possible to build an organ without the necessary materials. DHA is necessary for building a human brain.
Other studies have shown that children whose mothers have a high intake of omega-3s during pregnancy are less likely to have asthma and allergies. That one is a little more difficult to understand. We know that the nutrients are important to the immune system. They are used to create signaling hormones, for one thing.
But, the researchers concerned with fish oil and pregnancy have yet to explain why the lack of a nutrient in the mother’s diet could increase the risk of a chronic condition like asthma. It problem has something to do with modulating or balancing inflammation. Asthma and allergies have been attributed to an overactive immune system for many years.
The immune system responds to normal stimuli with inflammation. Anti-inflammatories work on a short-term basis. But, omega-3s reduce inflammation on a long-term basis. It is possible, although there is no proof, as yet, that when a mother’s intake of omega-3s is low, the family diet is low in omega-3s, too. So, instead of a chronic health problem, asthma and allergies might be chronic nutritional deficiencies.
One of the latest studies concerning fish oil and pregnancy showed that infant’s visual acuity developed faster when they had higher blood levels of DHA. That one is easy to understand, too. DHA accounts for more than 60% of the fatty acids in the retina, the light-gathering mechanism within the eye.
Other benefits may include a reduced risk of miscarriage and premature delivery, although there is no way to explain those benefits. A reduced risk of post-partum depression that has been seen in some studies concerning fish oil and pregnancy is pretty easy to understand. Again, it has to do with the importance of DHA to the brain.
You should be aware that not all supplements provide an equivalent amount of DHA. Most are higher in EPA, an important fatty acid to be sure, but probably not for fetal development.
You should also be aware that some manufacturers do not test each batch of oils for contaminants like mercury. You can find out if testing was conducted by looking for a COA (certificate of authenticity) on the manufacturer’s website.
There are other studies concerning fish oil and pregnancy. The results of the most interesting ones have been mentioned here, but you could always learn more.
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Susan M. Taylor is a passionate advocate of preventative health care. She likes sharing information on her research and educating the public about the numerous benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.
