Scientific research has expanded our knowledge of proper nutrition in pregnancy, specifically the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids in both the development of a healthy baby and in the health of the mother. I hope to share the importance of that research here.
What are Omega-3
Fatty Acids?
Omega-3s are a family of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential nutrients for health and development. Unfortunately, these are not made by the human body and therefore must be obtained from diet or supplementation. However, the typical American diet is greatly lacking in Omega-3s.
Research indicates that the two most beneficial Omega-3s are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA naturally occur together and work together in the body, and studies show that each fatty acid has unique benefits. EPA supports the cardiovascular and immune systems while DHA supports the brain, eyes and central nervous system, which is why it is uniquely important for pregnant and lactating women.
Why is Omega-3 important?
Adequate intake of Omega-3 fats is essential to maintaining the balanced production of the hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help regulate many important physiological functions including blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve transmission, the inflammatory and allergic responses, the functions of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract and the production of other hormones. Depending on the type of fatty acids in the diet, certain types of prostaglandins may be produced in large quantities, while others may not be produced at all. This prostaglandin imbalance can lead to disease.
The role of Omega-3s in producing beneficial prostaglandins may explain why they have been shown to have so many health benefits, including the prevention of heart disease, improving cognitive function and the regulation of inflammation. High doses of Omega-3s have been used to treat and prevent mood disorders, and new research is identifying their potential benefits for a wide range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Why is taking Omega-3 especially important during pregnancy?
Omega-3s have been found to be essential for both neurological and early visual development of the fetus. However, the standard western diet is severely deficient in these critical nutrients. This Omega-3 dietary deficiency is compounded by the fact that pregnant women become depleted in Omega-3s, when the fetus uses omega-3s for its nervous system development. Omega-3s are also used after birth to make breast milk. With each subsequent pregnancy, mothers are further depleted. Adding EPA and DHA to the diet of pregnant women has a positive effect on visual and cognitive development of the baby. Additionally, studies have shown that higher consumption of Omega-3s may reduce the risk of allergies in infants.
Read the full article at South Coast Today.