Omega 3 Fatty Acids And DHA. Breastfeeding Mothers Need To Increase Their Intake Of Both For The Health Of Their Babies.
There are now clear benefits established of the benefits of DHA, and these extend to health benefits for a fetus or growing baby. Studies have shown that over 90 percent of us are deficient in DHA, (together with EPA), the 2 most essential fatty acids. These are found in fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant mothers have powerful reasons to supplement their diet with omega 3 supplements containing DHA and EPA. There are many benefits of breastfeeding, and one of the best breastfeeding tips for nursing mothers is to maintain the levels of DHA in her breast milk.
It is now known that growing fetuses have a high demand for both DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the 2 most important of the omega 3 essential fatty acids. However once the baby is born that demand for an adequate supply of DHA and EPA does not decrease. And of course for a fetus or for a baby that supply of DHA comes from the mother, certainly in cases where the mother is breastfeeding.
There are studies now that show that breastfeeding mothers who supplement their diet with DHA have babies which, at 30 months, show higher scores on psychomotor development, have better visual development and even improve their scores on IQ assessments.
All of these make for powerful reasons for any mother who is breastfeeding to supplement their diet with supplements containing DHA. Breastfeeding mothers are just like the rest of us and generally have levels of omega 3 essential fatty acids that are too low.
If you have a diet rich in seafood then this may not apply to you however the studies show that almost all of us do not eat enough seafood. There are various reasons for this including that it is now well recognized that much of the fish we eat is contaminated with nasty contaminants such as mercury. And fish is also very expensive.
There are plant based sources of Omega3 fats however these are a different form of essential fatty acids and are nowhere near is beneficial to us or to our babies as the important omega 3 essential fatty acid called DHA.
Taking daily omega 3 capsules is the perfect way to supplement your diet with fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers can do this cost effectively and in perfect safety because the best fish oil capsules are entirely free of contamination and can be taken daily with confidence, and at a much lower cost than eating fish.
It's now clear about the benefits of DHA for both the fetus and the growing baby. Breastfeeding mothers can comfortably increase their intake of DHA right from conception, if not before, right through pregnancy and breastfeeding and then after that, both for their own health and the health of their babies.
It's important to note however that not all brands fish oil supplements are the same. You need to know how to compare fish oil capsules to find those that represent the best value and the best effectiveness.
I tell you how to do that on my website.
Want to know more about Fish Oil? Or more about Benefits Of Breastfeeding with DHA supplementation? Visit Peter's Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.