Fish Oil Supplements Benefit Pregnant Women And Developing Fetuses
Fish oils have long been known to be beneficial to human health. During pregnancy, however, it’s always wise to consider if the health advice given to the general public is really what’s best for mother and unborn baby. So, should pregnant take fish oil supplements?
The cod liver oil that we were forced to consumer as children growing up is not equivalent to omega 3 fish oil. Oils from fish livers, such as that from cod livers, contain vitamins A and D. Pure fish oil does not have these vitamins in it. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should take fish oil supplements that don’t contain A or D.
Fish oil supplements derived from fish meat are suitable for pregnant women to take. This type of oil has even been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the health of both the fetus and the expectant mother. The oil omega 3 in particular is a good supplement to take during pregnancy.
It is critical that pregnant women get a generous amount of omega 3 during their last trimester. Research shows approximately 8% of the human brain to be made of these fatty acids. They aid in the correct development of the fetus’ brain and eyes. Studies suggest that a low intake of omega 3 during pregnancy corresponds to lower IQs, underdeveloped hand-eye coordination, and social difficulties later in a child’s life.
These days, health literature often writes about the essential Omega 3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are the beneficial elements in Omega 3. Since the human body is incapable of manufacturing Omega 3 fatty acids, it must be ingested in the form of food or diets supplements. Fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel provides lots of Omega 3. On the other hand, because of the high concentrations of metal in fish, consuming fish during pregnancy is not without concerns.
Some plant products contain ALA, such as flax or pumpkin seeds. ALA is an omega 3 fatty acid which the human body converts into a usable form, but pregnant women are not able absorb enough to meet their recommended daily allowance. Therefore women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should take supplements containing fish oils with these important nutrients.
Omega 3 fats from fish can benefit not only a fetus but the mother as well. Research has shown that these fish oils can alleviate post partum depression which is an increasingly common affliction among pregnant women who have recently given birth. There are a variety of vitamin companies that sell fish oil supplements targeted directly to pregnant women. The difference is that the fish oils have been process to be more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The benefits of omega 3 supplements during pregnancy have the potential to outweigh any negative side effects.
While fish oil supplements are beneficial for health, during pregnancy, it’s important to obtain these supplements from a safe source. Some oils from fish livers, such as cod liver, contain vitamin A, which should be avoided during pregnancy. However, supplements derived from fish flesh, especially omega 3, are not only safe, but recommended during pregnancy. Omega 3 benefits both the fetus, by providing fatty acid which is important for brain and eye development, and the mother, by assuaging depression. All these benefits mean every mother-to-be should strongly consider taking omega 3 supplements during pregnancy.
- Michael Byrd