There are no likely problems with taking fish oil while breast-feeding your baby. In fact, there are several benefits from doing so. Fish oil contains a fatty acid, DHA -- docosahexaenoic acid -- shown in several studies to improve babies' neurodevelopment as well as resistance to allergies. The only problem you may encounter is choosing a fish oil that works for you.
Mercury Concerns
One major concern during pregnancy and breast-feeding is avoiding certain fish because of mercury contamination. Specifically, women should avoid shark, swordfish, tile fish and mackerel, and limit consumption of white albacore tuna, because of potential mercury contamination. This needn't be a concern when dealing with fish oils, though; it appears that fish oils contain little or no mercury. By choosing a pure, high-quality fish oil, you can be assured a mercury- and contaminant-free fish oil.
Allergies in Infants
Taking fish oils while pregnant and breast-feeding may protect your infant from developing allergies. In a study published in the February 2011 issue of "Pediatric Allergy and Immunology," 145 pregnant women consumed EPA and DHA fatty acids or placebos from 25 weeks gestation to 3.5 months breast-feeding. Both EPA and DHA are fatty acids naturally occurring in fish oil. The women in the study were predisposed to having children with allergies. While the supplementation only lasted through 3.5 months of breast-feeding, there was a decrease in allergies through the infants' second year. The researchers also noted an association between the amount of fatty acids' DHA and EPA, and the infants' likelihood of having allergies.
Neurodevelopment
Taking fish oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding may help your infant's development and IQ. Studies have shown a correlation between DHA taken while pregnant and breast-feeding, and children's IQ scores. A placebo-controlled study by the Children's Nutrition Research Center had women take DHA or a placebo for the first four months of breast-feeding. At age 5, the children whose mothers received DHA scored markedly better on sustained-attention tests. Children at 30 months of age scored better on psychomotor development as well.
Choosing a Fish Oil
DHA is readily available in fish oil. Compare the labels of the fish oil before you buy, to make sure you're getting adequate amounts of DHA. Lower-quality fish oils may contain more contaminants such as mercury, so choose higher-quality fish oils. You don't have to choose a DHA supplement or fish oil geared toward breast-feeding women. These products may cost more than a standard fish oil supplement containing the same ingredients. You may also prefer fish oil with lemon oil added for taste.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid
- Omega3FAQ: Omega 3 Fatty Acids (DHA) During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- PubMed.gov: Allergic Disease in Infants up to 2 Yr of Age in Relation to Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Maternal Fish Oil Supplementation in Pregnancy and Lactation
- PubMed.gov: Effects of Early Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Intake on Neuropsychological Status and Visual Acuity at Five Years of Age of Breast-fed Term Infants
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