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During pregnancy and breastfeeding, Omega-3 DHA is important for the development of infant brains, nervous systems and vision/eyes (retinas), while a balance of Omega-3 EPA and DHA helps keep the mother healthy.
But are you getting enough? Studies indicate that most pregnant and nursing women are not consuming enough Omega-3 EPA/DHA, and as found in a Harvard review, pregnant women are not consuming enough Omega-3 because they don’t eat enough seafood. (Greenberg. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Fall; 1 (4) : q62–169). Worldwide heath organizations recommend eating oily fish or taking purified fish oil capsules during pregnancy and lactation.
Omega-3 Recommended Intake Chart
Research indicates that Omega-3 EPA/DHA play an essential role before, during, and after pregnancy. As the sole source of nutrients for her developing baby, a mother needs to consume plenty of Omega-3 DHA, which is integral to the healthy development of the fetus’ brain and eyes. Additionally, Omega-3 EPA/DHA supports a healthy pregnancy. Even after childbirth, a mother still needs to watch her Omega-3 EPA/DHA intake, as her child will continue to absorb nutrients from her breast milk.
DHA in infants is essential to the development of the nervous system and the eyes, particularly the retina. Because the formation of these organs is complete by early childhood, it is critical that the growing child gets plenty of DHA during fetal development and throughout the early years of life.
EPA & DHA
Breast milk naturally contains Omega-3 EPA and DHA, with significantly more DHA than EPA. The DHA content of the maternal diet is the most important determinant of the amount of DHA secreted in breast milk (and thus, the dietary intake of the breastfed infant). The DHA content varies more than 10-fold (being lowest in women with no DHA intake; highest with the highest DHA intakes) (Innis. Adv Exp Med Bio. 2004; 554:27-43). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) affirms that Omega-3 is important for normal infant growth and development, especially during pregnancy and early childhood.
Infants benefit: a review of the landmark ALSPAC study (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) concluded that, “maternal consumption of more than 340 g of seafood a week was beneficial for the child’s neurodevelopment,” (Hibbeln. The Lancet. 2007; 369:578-85)
Purified Fish Oil Recommended
Omega-3 supplementation is recommended. A review in the Journal of Perinatology states, “In view of mounting evidence implicating Omega-3 FA (fatty acid) deficiency as a determinant of various maternal and pediatric afflictions, physicians should consider recommending purified fish oil supplementation during pregnancy and lactation,” (Genuis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2007; 68:1056-61)
MEG-3® fish oil capsules and food ingredients are purified to reduce heavy metals such as mercury and other contaminants to insignificant levels, providing an alternative to eating fish while pregnant and nursing.
Gestation & Growth Rate Support
A review from the University of Paris on Omega-3 EPA/DHA in the diet and pregnancy concluded that it “improves its quality.” (Bourre. Biomed Pharmacother. 2007;61(2-3):105-12).
A Harvard Medical School review found: “Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for fetal neurodevelopment." (Greenberg. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Fall; 1(4) : 162–169)