Thought to potentially protect against a number of pregnancy-related complications, DHA is also said to possibly promote the health of the developing child. Dietary DHA omega-3 has been the focus for omega-3 recommendations during pregnancy from various expert groups (including the recommended intake of at least 300 mg DHA omega-3 per day during pregnancy from the NIH workshop in 1999) based on the physiological-essentiality of DHA in the brain and retina of the infant and the need to therefore provide ample intakes of DHA during pregnancy (particularly the last trimester). But flaxseed contains the shorter-chain omega-3, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which is different from the longer-chain EPA and DHA. 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.Some brands of fish oil are of higher quality than others. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The official omega-3 of the American Pregnancy Association is Nordic Naturals’ Prenatal DHA, which provides 480 mg DHA and 205 mg of EPA per serving (2 soft gels).
Although EPA and DHA naturally occur together and work together in the body, studies show that each fatty acid has unique benefits. This compound is not routinely found in regular prenatal vitamins. Depletion persists 9-12 months postpartum and, as you can imagine, gets worse with multiple pregnancies.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and the Postpartum Period: While fish can contain environmental toxins like mercury that accumulate during its life span, these toxins can be virtually eliminated during the manufacture and processing of fish oil, with the use of high-quality raw materials and a technologically advanced refining process utilizing advanced distillation technologies.Reputable fish oil manufacturer should be able to provide documentation of third-party lab results that show the purity levels of their fish oil, down to the particles per trillion level. This explains why doctors recommend that all women take an omega-3 fish oil (or algae oil) supplement – especially when pregnant.But it’s not just about baby – it’s about mom’s health, too. The average human body is composed of approximately 37 trillion cells and virtually all of them depend on omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for maintaining foundational daily cellular activities. This explains why supplementing with omega-3 fish oil or algae oil is so important.Pregnant women should be sure to take a daily supplement that provides a minimum of 300 mg of DHA at the very least.