Omega 3 & Pregnancy
MUMS PUT BABIES INTELLIGENCE AT RISK
Pregnant and breast feeding mums are not eating enough Omega 3 DHA - crucial for developing babies eyesight, co-ordination and intelligence says Sparky Brand based on new research just published.
A Sparky Brand survey of 400 pregnant and breast feeding mums reveals only 8% know how much Omega 3 should be consumed; 92% were unsure that Omega 3 is good for their baby - and just 2% knew that the recommended RDI changes during pregnancy / breastfeeding.
This finding is supported by recently published research that pregnant UK women are 60% deficient in the daily recommended intake of Omega 3 (DHA/EPA), from the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition at London Metropolitan University.
Omega 3 (DHA/EPA) rich diets for babies show more intelligence, concentration, visual development and birth weight compared to those on low Omega 3 diets.
Also more post-natal depression is found in low Omega 3 consuming countries. Postnatal depression may be caused by the mothers supplying the Omega 3 shortfall to their baby from their brain reserves.
Case study Nichole Sweetsur who was 30 weeks pregnant says “Like most women I want to do the very best for my growing baby but I am still not really sure of why I need to take Omega 3s. I know there is research linked to Omega 3 helping foetal brain development, but it is not something that is stressed by Healthcare Professionals, so it is regarded as an ‘optional extra’ rather than an essential such as folic acid.”