Omega-3 fish oils are essential fatty acids, nutrients that positively affect development and health. The body does not create these fatty acids on its own, so they must be obtained through diet or a supplement. One of two common types of omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, supports eye, brain and neurological development. Omega-3 is important for pregnant or lactating women, and infants should either be given DHA supplements or have a diet or formula rich in DHA.
Brain Development
Researcher Sheila Innis of the Child and Family Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia published a study in 2009 in the "Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition" that found that a lack of DHA, a type of omega-3, interferes with normal brain and neurological function. DHA was also found to be associated with higher scores on neurological tests done on infants and children.
Psychological Functioning
Psychiatrist Robert McNamara published a study in 2006 in the journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids" that found that DHA deficiencies in fetuses and postterm infants can cause an increased risk for psychopathology as a result of altered brain functioning. This risk can be significantly altered by taking DHA supplements during pregnancy and feeding infants, especially preterm infants, DHA either through breast milk or a formula fortified with DHA.
Eye Development
Innis also found in her study on omega-3 that infants fed breast milk or a formula that contained DHA had higher scores on tests conducted to test their visual and neurological functioning. The study also found that a lack of DHA was linked to a lower functioning of visual signaling pathways. According to Innis, omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in the development of eyes and vision.
Omega-3 During Pregnancy
According to the American Pregnancy Association, taking omega-3 during pregnancy can help advance the neurological and eye functioning of the fetus. Omega-3 also has a positive role in cognitive functioning of the baby. Omega-3 is often deficient in Western diets, so taking a supplement during pregnancy is important for the early brain and eye development of the fetus.
References
- Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition; "Omega-3 Fatty acids and neural development to 2 years of age: do we know enough for dietary recommendations?"; Sheila Innis; March 2009
- American Pregnancy Association: Omega-3 Fish Oil and Pregnancy
- Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids: "Role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain development and function: potential implications for the pathogenesis and prevention of psychopathology"; Robert McNamara; October 2006
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