There have been a great many studies concerning the benefits of omega 3 fish oil for pregnant women. The studies were initiated because of a known imbalance in the modern day diet. Most people get too many omega 6s and not enough omega 3s.
Research indicates that this imbalance contributes to childhood allergies, asthma, attention deficit disorders, depression and even obesity. Certain omega 3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as DHAs, are essential for normal brain and visual development. It is possible that one of the reasons we overeat is to try to get enough DHA to the brain.
The only good dietary source of DHA is fish. The fish get their DHA from marine algae, which is why you will see some supplements designed for vegans that are derived from the algae. Other source of omega 3s, including flaxseed and other plants, provide only ALA (alpha linolenic acid).
It has only been within the last few decades that scientists have begun to understand the importance of omega 3 fatty acids to human beings, specifically to normal growth and development. That’s why advice concerning the benefit of fish oil for pregnant women is a fairly recent development.
In the early days of nutritional research, scientists believed that only omega 6s were essential. Laboratory animals, with a controlled diet that provided only omega 6s seemed to develop normally. In recent years, researchers have found that omega 3s are essential to normal animal development, too.
It has taken time for the information to reach the general public. Many people are still unaware of what a diet high in omega 6s and low in omega 3s will do to their bodies. Research has shown that it contributes to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and age related diseases of all kinds.
If you look solely at the benefit of fish oil for pregnant women, it is not only the baby’s development that is an issue. Post partum depression has become an increasingly common syndrome.
Scientists have known for many years that low levels of DHA in the bloodstream are associated with depressive disorders. It is also known that a woman’s blood levels of DHA drop by as much as 30 after delivery. Knowing how important DHA is to the brain, the connection between inadequate intake and post partum depression is obvious to see.
Why don’t doctors recommend fish oil for pregnant women, in all cases? There may be several reasons. There was, at one time, a perceived risk of increased bleeding, but that appears to have been resolved. As long as intake does not exceed 2000mg per day, there is no increased risk.
Doctors may be concerned about mercury contamination. But, it is actually safer to take a fish oil supplement than it is to eat fish. Manufacturers can have each batch tested for mercury content. It isn’t possible to do that with each fish.
As long as consumers are careful to choose high quality supplements from reputable manufacturers, there are no risks associated with omega 3 supplementation. There are only benefits. Those are the facts about suggesting fish oil for pregnant women. Shop carefully, before you buy.
Author Resource:
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the single most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends after extensive research: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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