Mums missing out on omega 3 fatty acids

In its latest news update, the Blackmores Institute - fostering research and education into natural health for health care professionals- has reported on new research that suggests pregnant and breast-feeding women are not getting an adequate intake of
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Blackmores Institute- About the research

The study, published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, found only 27 percent, during pregnancy, and 25 percent, at three months postpartum (breastfeeding), met the current European Union (EU) consensus recommendation for DHA intake.

Conversely, women who took a supplement containing DHA were more likely to meet the recommendation for pregnancy and postpartum, respectively.

The recommended intake could also be met by following the Health Canada recommendation to consume one to two portions per week of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids the Canadian study notes.

The study authors conclude that nutritional counselling and education about the benefits of a supplement source of LCPUFA should extend beyond pregnancy as 44 percent of the women in the cohort who reported taking a supplement during pregnancy were no longer taking these supplements when breast feeding at three months postpartum.

Source: Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism 2015 doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2014-0313 Published online ahead of print 25 March 2015.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at a glance

DHA is an omega-3 long chain fatty acid that plays an important role during pregnancy for the baby's brain and eyesight development.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and seafood, with oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines providing a concentrated source.

ASK THE EXPERTS: Talk to a Blackmores naturopath today for advice on healthy nutrition during pregnancy.