Vitality News Health Articles

The benefits of fish oil, especially the omega type from cold water fish, has been well-documented to improve the overall health of people. However, women who are pregnant should talk to their doctor about the potential impacts to their unborn child and discuss whether or not taking fish oil supplements is a healthy alternative.

It is very important to note that the cod liver oil which many of us were forced to take by our parents when we were children is not the same as omega 3 fish oil. Cod liver oil and other oils made from fish livers contain Vitamins A and D, which are not found in pure fish oil. Pregnant women are much better off supplementing with fish oil that doesn’t have any A or D in it.

If a fish oil supplement is derived from fish flesh, it is okay for pregnant women to ingest. Moreover, this kind of fish oil has been demonstrated to benefit the health of both the fetus and the mother. Specifically, supplementing with a substance known as omega 3 is suggested for optimal health during pregnancy.

It is critical that pregnant women get a generous amount of omega 3 during their last trimester. Research shows approximately 8% of the human brain to be made of these fatty acids. They aid in the correct development of the fetus’ brain and eyes. Studies suggest that a low intake of omega 3 during pregnancy corresponds to lower IQs, underdeveloped hand-eye coordination, and social difficulties later in a child’s life.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are very popular in health literature these days. It is called essential because the human body is unable to make it and so it must be taken in through food or in the form of dietary supplements. The beneficial substances in omega 3 are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Diets high is fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel will provide lots of omega 3. However, there have been health-scares associated with eating lots of fish during pregnancy since some fish can have high concentrations of heavy metals in their flesh.

Some plant products contain ALA, such as flax or pumpkin seeds. ALA is an omega 3 fatty acid which the human body converts into a usable form, but pregnant women are not able absorb enough to meet their recommended daily allowance. Therefore women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should take supplements containing fish oils with these important nutrients.

Omega 3 benefits during pregnancy are not limited to the child - it has also been shown to alleviate depression which is all too common among mothers-to-be. There are many companies which market high quality fish oil supplements suitable for pregnant women. These are guaranteed to be free from fish liver oils and have been processed so that the oils are more easily absorbed by the body. There are so many benefits to taking omega 3 supplements during pregnancy that it would be foolish not to consider them.

While fish oil supplements are beneficial for health, during pregnancy, it’s important to obtain these supplements from a safe source. Some oils from fish livers, such as cod liver, contain vitamin A, which should be avoided during pregnancy. However, supplements derived from fish flesh, especially omega 3, are not only safe, but recommended during pregnancy. Omega 3 benefits both the fetus, by providing fatty acid which is important for brain and eye development, and the mother, by assuaging depression. All these benefits mean every mother-to-be should strongly consider taking omega 3 supplements during pregnancy.

- Michael Byrd