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?
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 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.
Omega 3 essential fatty acids are very popular in health literature these days. It is called essential because the human body is unable to make it and so it must be taken in through food or in the form of dietary supplements. The beneficial substances in omega 3 are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Diets high is fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel will provide lots of omega 3. However, there have been health-scares associated with eating lots of fish during pregnancy since some fish can have high concentrations of heavy metals in their flesh.
It is essential that pregnant women get enough of the Omega 3 fatty acids. Plants, such as flax and pumpkin seeds, contain ALA. An Omega 3 fatty acid, ALA cannot be broke down by the human body into a usable form of Omega 3. To ensure the mother-to-be is getting this vital nutrient, it is advised she take a upplement made of the flesh of fish which contain the oils.
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.
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