Mothers or expectant mothers only want the very best for their child, which is why a balanced diet should go hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle while pregnant and lactating.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for the formation of lungs, heart, brain, nervous system and many other organ systems.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to DHA’s role in the development of the fetus and the infant. You can read more about these essential fatty acids here.
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A child’s future development is already determined during pregnancy. A child’s DNA determines to some extent what abilities and characteristics the child will have. However, the formation of lungs and heart, the maturation of brain and nervous system, and the development of all organ systems are influenced by internal and external factors.
This is where micronutrients, particularly DHA, come into play. From the beginning of pregnancy, but most significantly from the third trimester onwards, the unborn child is dependent on the mother’s supply of DHA. The specific degree of importance of DHA can be determined by examinations of the umbilical cord blood. In contrast to maternal serum, the child’s serum contains 35 to 40% more polyunsaturated fatty acids – especially DHA.
Adequate DHA intake reduces the risk of premature birth, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and depression.
Even after birth, the supply of omega-3 fatty acids through breast milk is indispensable for the child’s development. The mother also benefits from adequate omega-3 intake, which will provide a boost to overall well-being. DHA-rich food can provide myriad benefits, including fewer complications during pregnancy and a lower risk of postpartum depression, premature birth, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes.
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A minimum daily intake of 200 mg DHA is recommended for expectant or new mothers. Cold water fish such as tuna and salmon are among the fish that contain the most omega-3 fatty acids, which is why two meals a week should provide the necessary amount.
As a precautionary measure, consumption should not exceed the level of pollutant absorption. For an improved supply, quality-tested algae and fish oils can also be used.
Fish oil makes you smarter
One Norwegian study, in which over 300 pregnant women from the 18th week of pregnancy and breastfeeding women received fish oil (1,200 mg DHA, 800 mg EPA/day) or maize germ oil daily for another three months after birth, found that the IQ was on average 4 points higher in children aged 4 whose mothers had consumed fish oil than in children whose mothers only received maize germ oil.
In addition, an American study found that breast-feeding children whose mothers have higher levels of DHA in their blood show much better attention at the age of five. Even in the use against ADHD these values showed up successfully (more reading here).
Children that breastfeed and the mother has a sufficient DHA supply often sleep better, which indicates a more mature central nervous system. More information about omega-3 fatty acids and sleep quality for children can be found here.
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Other abilities also develop better through a good DHA supply. Around 8,000 British children up to the age of 8, whose mothers consumed more DHA in the form of fatty sea fish during pregnancy, performed better on average in terms of social behaviour, fine motor skills and linguistic intelligence. Further information can be found in the article.
