Fish oil is a widely used dietary supplement for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to provide a variety of health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart attack and arrhythmia, and helping to prevent strokes in those with cardiovascular disease. Omega-3s have sparked an interest among pregnant women and the supplement's potential health benefits on a baby's development, as well as on a mother's well-being.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil contains two highly sought after fatty acids that provide an array of health benefits: eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. These polyunsaturated fatty acids contain essential nutrition for health and development. DHA in particular is believed to be beneficial to the cognitive development of a baby. Your body does not synthesize either of the fatty acids and it must therefore be obtained through your diet or supplementation. Americans do not eat enough foods that contain omega-3s, which has contributed to the growth of the fish oil supplement market.
Supplementation During Pregnancy
According to the American Pregnancy Association, omega-3s have been shown to help aid in both the neurological and early visual development of babies. Taking fish oil supplements while pregnant is considered to be safe. The association promotes supplementation during pregnancy because of the lack of omega-3s in the average American diet. Furthermore, the fetus requires omega-3s to help in the development of the nervous system. This can leave the mother short on omega-3 fatty acids. Subsequent pregnancies can further deplete the mother's omega-3 reserves.
Dosage and Quality
Based on minimum dosage recommendations set by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, infants 1 to 18 months old who weigh up to 15 lbs. can take at least 32 mg a day, and children 1 1/2 to 15 years old can take at least 15 mg a day. Pregnant and lactating women can take 300 mg of DHA daily.
The quality of fish oil supplements can vary. Some things you should take note of when shopping for a fish oil supplement include the smell and taste. If the capsules or pills smell fishy, the fish oil might be in a degradation state. Quality fish oil should not smell fishy. Also avoid fish oil that contains many artificial flavors. These flavors are typically added to cover up any fishy taste, which should not be present.
Further Research
Recent research suggests that DHA provides no clear cognitive benefit for babies. According to an October 2010 NYTimes.com article, the hype over taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy is largely spurred by the market and not by definitive research. Most of the studies about the effects of fish oil supplements on a baby's brain development were small or observed in women that already were taking fish oil. A more recent and larger study showed that a baby's neurological development was not affected, nor was a mother's risk for postpartum depression lessened -- another common reason that fish oil supplements are taken. These findings have lead health professionals to call for more research in the field.
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