Your dietary goal for omega-3 fatty acids should be 1000 mg, about half should be the specific fat called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
DHA During Pregnancy and DHA While Breastfeeding:
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
DHA, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid, is the most abundant omega-3 in the brain and retina. It is also an important structural component of heart tissue and naturally found in breastmilk.
DHA omega-3 is naturally found throughout the body and is most abundant in the brain, eyes and heart. Just as calcium is essential for building strong bones, DHA ensures that the cells in the brain, retina, heart and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly through all stages of life.
Maternal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy plays an important role in fetal and infant development, as well as in maternal well-being. During pregnancy, DHA supports optimal infant brain, eye and nervous system development and is particularly important in the third trimester when significant brain growth occurs. Developing infants cannot efficiently produce their own DHA and must obtain this vital nutrient through the placenta during pregnancy and from breast milk after birth. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy enhances the level of DHA available to the fetus and infant and may improve certain developmental outcomes, such as:
- Eye-hand coordination
- Motor skills
- Attention span
Studies have shown that DHA plays a role in:
- Infant mental development
- Brain and nervous system development and function
- Supporting the mental function of children and adults throughout life
- Possible role for DHA in some behavioral and mood disorders affecting both children and adults
DHA also provides important maternal benefits. It is suggested DHA supplementation during pregnancy can help lengthen gestation length and support the mental state of the mother.
The Good Fats
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids are found primarily in vegetable oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn, flaxseed and canola oils. Omega-3’s DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), two long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, are found primarily in fatty fish, while ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) comes from primarily plant-based sources.
Understanding the Role that Each Omega-3 Plays
Today, more and more food products claim to be a good source of omega-3's, but not all omega-3's are created equal. There are three major omega-3 fatty acids each with distinct health benefits:
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
DHA, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid, is the most abundant omega-3 in the brain and retina. It is also an important structural component of heart tissue and naturally found in breastmilk.
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
EPA, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid, is important for human health. However, unlike DHA, EPA is not stored in significant levels in the brain and retina and is not considered a significant structural part of the body.
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
ALA, an essential fatty acid (EFA), is a shorter-chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a source of energy. It is also a precursor for EPA and DHA and is needed for skin health.
The Physiologic Need for DHA
- DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain and retina of the eyes, representing about 97% and 93% of all omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and retina, respectively.
- DHA is critical for healthy vision and mental development in utero and throughout infancy.
- Breast milk is the optimal method for infant feeding. DHA is always present in human breast milk.
- The developing infant receives DHA from their mother via the placenta and in breast milk after birth.
- DHA intake during pregnancy is safe. Up to 1 g/day of DHA has been supplemented.
DHA Intake Influences the DHA Status of Both the Mother and Fetus/Baby
- Breast milk DHA levels are dependent on the mother’s diet. Because of a low DHA dietary intake, reportedly have lower DHA levels in their breast milk.
- Maternal DHA supplementation increases the mother’s blood and breast milk DHA levels. This in turn increases the blood DHA levels of both the fetus and breast-fed infant.
DHA Supports Gestation Length
- Supplementation with DHA during pregnancy benefits both mother and baby by extending the length of gestational age. Meta-analyses of studies conducted to date show that maternal DHA supplementation is associated with a length of pregnancy averaging 1.6 to 2.6 days closer to term. One study demonstrated a six-day increase in gestational age.
Some of the current research on DHA shows:
- Children whose mother’s took DHA supplementation during pregnancy scored higher on intelligence tests at four years of age than children of mothers not taking DHA supplementation.
- Babies of mothers who supplemented with DHA have more advanced attention spans.
- Cultures whose diets are high in omega 3 fatty acids have lower incidence of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.
- Many children who have been diagnosed with ADD have insufficient levels of essential fatty acids in their diet.
- Enhances fetal and infant eye development.
- Prevents against postpartum depression.
Take care of your unborn baby.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these blogs is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained doctor/health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic expert, call us or e mail.
Dr Unnati Chavda
(Promoting pregnancy wellness)
www.ayurvedapanchkarma.in
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