29 June 2017
No matter what stage of life you are in, it is important to get essential nutrients needed to facilitate optimal health. A mother’s diet, from the blood supply in the placenta and from breast milk, delivers important DHA, a fatty acid to the foetus and newborn baby. The amount of DHA in the diet of a pregnant and breastfeeding mum determines the amount present in a baby’s braini, and research shows that women on vegetarian and vegan diets have the lowest blood levels of DHAii. Mothers who are deficient may have babies who are deficient too, so if mum is a vegetarian or vegan - or doesn’t eat fish - how will her baby get the DHA they need?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fat found in algae and fatty fish. This good fatty acid accumulates in the brain and eyes. DHA is a form of of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, and is unique as it is the most unsaturated of the fats and associated with development of neural synapses of the brain and the retina of the eye.iii
DHA omega-3 is an essential nutrient to humans as our bodies cannot make it on their own and our ability to convert it from other nutrient sources is low, so we must to get it from our diet. Rich sources of DHA include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, herring, anchovies and algae. In the marine food chain, algae are the primary sources of omega-3 fatty acids for fish. In the wild, fish get their omega-3s from the algae in their diet. For farm-raised fatty fish the DHA concentration depends on what the fish have been fed, which is often a grain base, meaning farmed fish may not be as rich a source of omega-3 fatty acids as those caught in the wild.
Some foods and beverages are fortified with DHA and some animals have their feed supplemented with DHA to enrich their meat, eggs or milk for human consumption. For vegetarians who eat fish, particularly when pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to meet the recommendations of three to five oily fish meals per week. For vegetarians and vegans who do not eat fish, an algae-based DHA supplement is essential.
Speak with an Accredited Practising Dietitian or health care practitioner for dietary advice on meeting your DHA requirements through pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Nelson Dellis, 4-time USA Memory Champion and adventure sport athlete, shares what a typical day looks like for this athlete. Nutrition is an important part of his daily routine and his training program. Brain Armor with life’sOMEGA vegetarian DHA and EPA omega-3s help to support his journey.
A nutritious diet is essential for every mother-to-be as nutritional deficiencies are common during pregnancy, but for the vegetarian mamma, it is even more important. Learn about four key nutrients for a healthy vegetarian pregnancy from award-winning dietitian Melanie McGrice, AdvAPD.
Although a vegetarian diet tends to be more protective against heart disease compared to a traditional Western diet, some risk factors for heart disease are increased. So, as a vegetarian, it’s still essential to consider your heart health.
Many mothers are caring for more people than just their children, they’re also caring for their parents who need to maintain healthy habits throughout the second half of their lives. If you’re a caregiver, read on to learn how an important nutrient – omega-3s – can help support your loved ones’ health.
If you’re a parent, September can be hectic as summer winds down and the kids get ready to head back to school. Coming up with a roster of lunches that are healthy, taste good and – most importantly – are eaten is no small feat. Read on for tips from Abbie Gellman, registered dietitian and chef, on how to pack a nutritious lunchbox.
Certain strains of algae produce omega-3 EPA and DHA and are 100% sustainable.
A special Mother’s Day message from Nelson Dellis, Memory Champion, and his wife as they anticipate the arrival of their first child.
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What do blue light, the sun, and your diet including DHA have in common? Your eyes. That's right! Blue light, the sun, and healthy fats all influence the health of your eyes. Learn three truths about blue light and eye health. Read More
Nelson Dellis, 4-time USA Memory Champion and adventure sport athlete, shares what a typical day looks like for this athlete. Nutrition is an important part of his daily routine and his training program. Brain Armor with life’sOMEGA vegetarian DHA and EPA omega-3s help to support his journey. Read More
A nutritious diet is essential for every mother-to-be as nutritional deficiencies are common during pregnancy, but for the vegetarian mamma, it is even more important. Learn about four key nutrients for a healthy vegetarian pregnancy from award-winning dietitian Melanie McGrice, AdvAPD. Read More
Although a vegetarian diet tends to be more protective against heart disease compared to a traditional Western diet, some risk factors for heart disease are increased. So, as a vegetarian, it’s still essential to consider your heart health. Read More
Many mothers are caring for more people than just their children, they’re also caring for their parents who need to maintain healthy habits throughout the second half of their lives. If you’re a caregiver, read on to learn how an important nutrient – omega-3s – can help support your loved ones’ health. Read More
If you’re a parent, September can be hectic as summer winds down and the kids get ready to head back to school. Coming up with a roster of lunches that are healthy, taste good and – most importantly – are eaten is no small feat. Read on for tips from Abbie Gellman, registered dietitian and chef, on how to pack a nutritious lunchbox. Read More
