Importance of DHA During Pregnancy and While Nursing
DHA is a major structural component of the brain and eyes and is important for optimal infant brain, eye and nervous system development. In fact, DHA represents up to 97% of the omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and up to 93% of the omega-3 fatty acids in the retina. DHA may also play a role in maternal well-being. The body of research supporting the importance of DHA for pregnant and nursing women and their developing infants continues to grow.
Studies show that DHA is important throughout pregnancy, particularly in the 3rd 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 studies) have revealed that infants who received optimal levels of DHA during this time exhibited:
- improved psychomotor development (such as eye-hand coordination) at 2.5 years of age
- improved mental processing scores at 4 years of age
- improved attention skills at 5 years of age
DHA has also been shown to play a part in maternal well-being. One study showed that maternal DHA supplementation increased the length of pregnancy by 6 days helping mothers carry to a healthy or full term. Additionally, some research suggests that adequate levels of DHA in the maternal diet may play a role in helping a mother’s emotional well-being after birth.
