Do You Need Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Omega 3 For Prenatal Health, Pregnancy, and Infants

There is a lot of evidence that show how omega 3s are beneficial to our health even before birth:

* Studies have shown that baby formulas with the omega 3 fatty acid DHA improve the cognitive development of babies. The same is true for babies whose mothers took omega 3 supplements (DHA and EPA) during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They have improved hand-eye coordination, attention span, social skills, and intelligence test scores.
* Fish oil taken during pregnancy reduces the risk of teenaged children developing asthma.
* Evidence has shown that premature infants also benefit from formula with omega 3, helping promote growth and brain development.
* The risk of premature labor is reduced as shown by a study of women who ate omega 3-rich eggs compared to women who ate standard eggs.

A lot of studies about omega 3 may not be definitive, but there is enough evidence that show the many benefits that DHA and EPA intake give infants and pregnant women. Baby formulas now include DHA supplements and breastfeeding mothers can also increase the omega 3s in their breast milk by adding supplements to their diet.