DHA Omega 3 is Critical to Healthy Fetal Brain Development.

DHA Omega 3 is Critical to Healthy Fetal Brain DevelopmentBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Rosenbaum]Valerie Rosenbaum
Good nutrition throughout the pregnancy is essential for fetal brain development, but some nutrients are more important than others. Research done over the last 10 years indicates that one of the essential nutrients for normal brain and visual function is Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid.
We have known for many years that pregnant women must consume enough folic acid, vitamin B9. Otherwise, their babies are at an increased risk for neural tube defects, spina bifida being the most common. Because of that, all prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, along with vitamin A, C, D, E, calcium, iron and Zinc, as well as many of the B-complex group.
Recommendations for folic acid intake during pregnancy range from 800-1000mcg per day. Larger doses are recommended for women that have given birth to a child with a neural tube defect in the past. These defects occur during the first month of pregnancy. So, good nutrition is important even when a woman is trying to conceive.
Many doctors are now recommending DHA supplementation for normal eye and fetal brain development for one simple reason. The brain cells and the retina in the back of the eye are composed of it. They are composed of many other things, as well. So, DHA is not the only essential nutrient, but it should not be overlooked.
Some doctors suggest regular fish consumption to insure adequate DHA intake, but others are concerned about the amount of mercury that is in many species. Mercury consumption during pregnancy has a negative effect on fetal brain development, impairing learning, behavior and memory.
Fish oils, on the other hand, can be tested for mercury and other contaminants. They can be purified if necessary, to remove all traces of contaminants. Of course, not all brands are the same. It is important to learn what standards the manufacturer has for purity and how much DHA is present in each capsule.
What's the recommended daily intake of DHA? Recommendations vary. The ISSFAL (International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids) recommends 300mg/day of DHA for pregnant and lactating women.
A recent recommendation from the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Milan was that all women of childbearing age should strive for an intake of at least 200mg per day for several reasons. First, is for healthy fetal brain development. There is a great deal of evidence supporting that benefit.
Other benefits for which there is a significant amount of evidence include a reduced risk of premature birth, preeclampsia and postpartum depression. The most well known benefit of omega-3 supplementation is to the future health of the heart. So, it's not just good for baby. It's good for mom, too, both in the short and the long-term.
DHA is now included in a number of infant formulas, in order to make it more similar to human breast milk. Decades ago, when researchers realized that breast-fed children had generally higher IQs and fewer behavioral problems than formula-fed babies, they debated about the reason.
Now, it seems that it was DHA. Cow's milk does not contain it and until recently, neither did infant formulas. But, for healthy fetal brain development and early childhood development, it is essential.
Valerie Rosenbaum thinks taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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