A recent study reported in England’s, The Lancet, of 11,875 pregnant women studied, the children of those who consumed more fish (More than 12 ounces a week- the equivalent of 2 or 3 fish meals), had higher levels of cognitive ability, pro-social behavior, better motor and verbal skills. Children of mothers who ate less than 12 ounces had a higher risk of low verbal skills and poor social development. While we debate on the safety of fish in coastal waters, and the restrictions suggested by the US Government that pregnant women should restrict their intake, too many studies show the benefits to developing fetuses and children for us not to look closely. It is time to turn to alternatives.
Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, one of the world’s leading authorities on Omega-3 fatty acids, in interviews and articles, states the critical importance of DHA for pregnant women and their unborn child. As the child’s brain develops, DHA is essential for developing neural pathways and neurons so that the brain grows more synapses. As Dr. Hibbeln further states, this timing is essential for children. In other words, you only have one time to get this right.
The question arises, how much DHA is enough for pregnant women? According to The Lancet study, moms-to-be should eat a minimum of 340g of fish a week or two to three meals of fish weekly.
Today’s research is pointing clearly to the vast benefit of DHA from fish oil rather than a vegetable/seed oil source. Perhaps if we were not swimming in seed oil from our foods, DHA from either source would be beneficial but what is lacking in our diets today is fish, not more seed or vegetable oil.
Finding a good Omega 3 EPA DHA supplement will take some digging. With many food grade fish oils on the shelves today, it is very important the oil be of a pharmaceutical grade. A simple prick test of a capsule will let you know the quality. Find a pure liquid form, bottled in glass, which is essential for the oxidation process, and make sure they are the manufacturer, not the supplier. Capsules hide a host of things which is why many suffer indigestion.
