Hundreds of studies have been conducted concerning fish oil and pregnancy. Researchers want to know about the benefits and the risks, if there are any. Here’s a look at what some of the latest research has shown.
Pregnant women are cautioned to consume no more than two servings of fish per week, due to concerns about mercury and other types of contaminants. That is a safe recommendation, but because of that, it is likely that most pregnant women do not get enough omega 3 fatty acids in their diet. So, supplementation is recommended by most healthcare practitioners.
Omega 3 fatty acids are the primary nutrient found in fish oil supplements. They are essential for normal brain and eye development. Studies indicate that omega 3 intake during pregnancy may reduce the baby’s risk of food allergies, asthma and eczema, especially during the first year of life, in infants that have a family history of allergies.
Other studies concerning omega 3 fish oil and pregnancy suggest that supplementation reduces the risk of premature birth and regular fish consumption has been associated with healthy growth and development of the fetus.
A new study will look at the ratio of omega 3s to 6s in the mother’s diet and whether or not that plays a role in childhood obesity. Most people get too many omega 6s in their diet and not enough omega 3s. The recommendation for everyone is to try and decrease the intake of omega 6s and increase the intake of omega 3s.
There are a number of different omega 3 fatty acids. The one that is most important to the healthy growth and development of the infant’s brain and eyes is Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA.
Vegan or vegetable sources of omega 3s do not provide DHA. All of the studies, to date, concerning fish oil and pregnancy, have focused on the importance of DHA. Not only is it important to the baby, it is important to Mom’s health, as well.
Low blood levels of DHA have been associated with depressive disorders. Recent studies indicate that low levels during pregnancy are associated with peri natal and post partum depression. So, in order for Mom to feel her best during and after pregnancy, DHA supplementation is recommended.
The only concern about risk comes from the source or type of supplement that Mom chooses to take. In the fish oil and pregnancy studies, the supplements were evaluated for purity. There should be no detectable level of mercury or other contaminants in the oils.
Another risk concerns only cod liver oil, which is high in Vitamin A. Too much vitamin A, from fish, can cause birth defects and can be toxic to Mom. Vegetable sources of beta carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, are the best choice for supplementation, whether a person is pregnant or not.
If you and your doctor decide that supplementation is right for you, be sure to choose a brand that is derived from the flesh, not the liver, of the fish and check the DHA content. The supplements used in studies concerning fish oil and pregnancy were rich in DHA.
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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