Omega 3 Fats And DHA. Breastfeeding Mothers (For The Health Of Their Babies) Need More Of Both.
Date: Thursday November 19, 2009Posted in: Baby Health
There are now clear benefits established of the benefits of DHA, and these extend to health benefits for a fetus or growing baby. Studies have shown that over 90 percent of us are deficient in DHA, (together with EPA), the 2 most essential fatty acids. These are found in fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant mothers have powerful reasons to supplement their diet with omega 3 supplements containing DHA and EPA. There are many benefits of breastfeeding, and one of the best breastfeeding tips for nursing mothers is to maintain the levels of DHA in her breast milk.
A fetus, right from conception, needs plenty of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) for proper development. But once the baby is born this demand for omega 3 essential fats continues. And of course for any fetus and for any baby of a breastfeeding mother the only source of essential fats is from the mother.
Studies have shown that babies of breastfeeding mothers who supplement with DHA, found in fish oil, show higher scores on psychomotor development at 30 months of age, have better visual development and improvements in IQ assessment.
These are powerful reasons for a breastfeeding mother to increase her intake of fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers, like the rest of our population, are generally deficient in the important omega 3 essential fatty acids.
This will not be the case if you have an adequate intake of seafood, however this is not generally the case in the US. Most of us eat far too little fish and seafood because it is expensive and also because it is known to be contaminated with mercury.
There are plant based sources of Omega3 fats however these are a different form of essential fatty acids and are nowhere near is beneficial to us or to our babies as the important omega 3 essential fatty acid called DHA.
The ideal way to get more DHA in your diet is to supplement your diet with capsules of fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers can do this safe in the knowledge that the very best fish oil capsules are contamination free, and will also find that they are much more cost-effective than eating fish.
The benefits of DHA for babies of breastfeeding mothers are now established. There are solid reasons for breastfeeding mothers to start omega 3 supplementation right from conception, (or before), right through nursing and then to continue to supplementation thereafter for the health of the mother.
Remember though, not all Omega 3 capsules are the same. It is important to know how to find fish oil capsules that represent the best value and the best effectiveness.
Visit my website to find out how to make this comparison.
Want to know more about Fish Oil? Or more about Fish Oil Breastfeeding? Visit Peter’s Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.
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