Fish Oil Supplements For Expectant Mothers
Fish oils exept during pregnancy have long been known to be benefical to human health. During pregnancy, however its always wise to consider what health advice is best for mother and unborn baby. So in your opinion, should pregnant woman take fish oil supplements?
It is crucial to remember that the cod liver oil children used to be given by their parents is not identical to omega 3 fish oil. Vitamins A and D are included in cold liver oil and other oils processed from fish livers, but they are not present in pure fish oil. Pregnant women benefit far more from fish oil that is free from Vitamins A and D.
If a fish oil supplement is derived from fish flesh, it is okay for pregnant women to ingest. Moreover, this kind of fish oil has been demonstrated to benefit the health of both the fetus and the mother. Specifically, supplementing with a substance known as omega 3 is suggested for optimal health during pregnancy.
It is important that expectant mothers have a good intake of omega 3 during the last three months of pregnancy. It has been shown that about 8% of the human brain is composed of these fatty acids. They are especially important for the proper development of the unborn child's brain and eyes. Some studies have linked a low intake of omega 3 during pregnancy to lower IQ's in children, poor hand-eye coordination and difficulties in making friends.
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 benefits during pregnancy are not limited to the child - it has also been shown to alleviate depression which is all too common among mothers-to-be. There are many companies which market high quality fish oil supplements suitable for pregnant women. These are guaranteed to be free from fish liver oils and have been processed so that the oils are more easily absorbed by the body. There are so many benefits to taking omega 3 supplements during pregnancy that it would be foolish not to consider them.
The fish oil supplements have been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the health of both the fetus and the expectant mother. Research has proved that omega 3 supplements during pregnancy are particularly helpful. Some studies have linked a low intake of omega 3 during pregnancy to lower IQ, poor hand-eye coordination and difficulty in socializing. Not only does omega 3 profit the unborn fetus, it also has been proven to assuage depression common in expecting mothers. Due to the huge number of omega 3 benefits documented by researchers, nowadays doctors want every pregnant woman to consider them.
Published May 31st, 2007
Filed in Health