Omega 3 Fats And DHA. Breastfeeding Mothers (For The Health Of Their Babies) Need More Of Both.
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.
Studies are now clearly showing the importance of adequate levels of DHA in the breastmilk of breastfeeding mothers. The studies are showing that babies of breastfeeding mothers who supplement their diet with fish oil supplements show much higher scores at 30 months of age on psychomotor development, do better in IQ assessments and have better visual development.
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.
It is possible to get omega 3 fatty acids from plants however this is a different form of Omega3 fat and is not nearly as beneficial to health as DHA and EPA, the 2 essential fatty acids found in fish oil.
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.
The benefits of DHA for babies of breastfeeding mothers are now established. There are solid reasons for breastfeeding mothers to start omega 3 supplementation right from conception, (or before), right through nursing and then to continue to supplementation thereafter for the health of the mother.
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.
Visit my website to find out how to compare the different Omega 3 capsules available.
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.
