Understanding the Role that Each Omega-3 plays
Today, more and more food products claim to be good sources of omega-3s, but not all omega-3s are created equal. Omega-3s are a group of fatty acids and there are three major omega-3s: DHA, EPA, and ALA. Each fatty acid has distinct health benefits.
DHA for Maternal Health
Maternal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy plays an important role in fetal and infant development, as well as in maternal well-being. DHA supports optimal fetal and infant brain, eye and nervous system development. Because developing infants cannot efficiently produce their own DHA, they must obtain this vital nutrient through the placenta during pregnancy and from breast milk after birth. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy and nursing significantly enhances the level of DHA available to the fetus and infant and may subsequently improve developmental outcomes. DHA has also been shown to play a part in maternal well-being.
DHA is important throughout pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester when significant brain growth occurs. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy and nursing significantly enhances the level of DHA available to the fetus and infant. Certain studies (some, but not all) have shown that maternal DHA supplementation improves infant developmental outcomes, such as:
• eye-hand coordination
• motor skills
• attention span
Just like folic acid, and calcium with Vitamin D, DHA omega-3 is an important building block for a healthy diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for long term health in infants.
DHA and ARA for Infant Health
DHA is important for optimal brain, eye, and nervous system development in infants. Arachidonic acid (ARA), a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, is the principal omega-6 in the brain, representing about 48% of the omega-6 fats in the brain. Like DHA, ARA is equally important for proper brain development. Major infant brain growth occurs during pregnancy and throughout the first two years of life.
Infants must obtain DHA and ARA from their diets, so it is important that parents provide them a diet that includes adequate amounts of both nutrients. Breast milk is the preferred way for infants to consume adequate amounts of DHA and ARA. If the mother decides not to breast feed, then the infant should be fed only supplemented formulas which contain DHA and ARA. Adequate DHA levels may lead to improved developmental outcomes, including improved mental, visual and motor skill development.
Sources of DHA
Although fatty fish are a natural source of DHA, some fish present special concerns, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing. Consumption of certain types of fish should be limited to avoid potential pollutants and toxins that may be present. life’sDHA from Martek is a vegetarian source of DHA and is an excellent alternative to fish and fish oil. Because its source is microalgae and is grown in a controlled FDA-inspected facility, it does not contain oceanic pollutants or toxins. life’sDHA is all natural and is currently the only DHA used in over 99% of U.S. infant formulas. life’sDHA is also available in supplements and fortified foods. For a complete list of products containing life’sDHA, go to Martek's product page.
March of Dimes
The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. The March of Dimes carries out this mission through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies' lives. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birth weight.
Martek Bioscience is proud to support this effort and work with the March of Dimes to help educated parents about the importance of good nutrition for mom and baby.
Help Us Give Babies a Healthy Start
You can partner with the March of Dimes by becoming a volunteer or a donor. With your help, we can help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.