Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Scientific research indicates that increased consumption of these fatty acids can not only lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also help prevent certain pregnancy complications and benefit the health of the unborn baby. However, there is much less information about the effects of fish oil for a nursing mother and her child. While no studies show that consuming fish oil when nursing is detrimental to the infant, more research is needed to set safe dosages. Consult your doctor about the possible dangers of eating large amounts of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish or taking fish oil supplements while you are nursing.
Fish Oil
You can consume fish oil while you are nursing in two ways: by regularly eating fish like tuna, salmon, bluefish, sardines, herring, sturgeon and trout that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or by taking a fish oil supplement that contains oils from these fish and other sources like cod liver or seal blubber. Fish oil contains high concentrations of EPA, or eicosapentanaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids that researchers believe are responsible for the health benefits pregnant women and their babies might experience when these compounds are consumed. A single 3.5 oz. serving of fatty acid-rich fish contains approximately 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids, while a typical fish oil supplement contains 180 mg of the fats.
Fish Oil Recommendation
Medline Plus advises that consuming 3 g or less daily of fish oil is most likely safe for nursing women and their infants, though there is no established safe dose for children. The American Heart Association recommends that nursing women consume two servings weekly-- or 12 oz. total -- of low mercury, fatty acid-rich fish like salmon, pollock, canned light tuna and catfish to obtain enough fatty acids for optimal health. The AHA does not, however, recommend fish oil supplements for nursing women, advising instead that these supplements are best only for people suffering from coronary heart disease and who are using the fish oil under the direction and supervision of their doctor.
Research
While research indicates that babies born to mothers who did not consume adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy have a higher tendency to develop neurological and vision problems, there is no definitive evidence pointing to the benefits of consuming fish oil while nursing or the drawbacks of not consuming any set amount. Researchers also are unsure if omega-3 fatty acids pass to babies in breast milk. There is research, however, showing that nursing women who regularly eat fatty-acid rich fish like tilefish, swordfish, shark or king mackerel might increase the risk of their child suffering from stunted neurological development since these fish often contain high mercury concentrations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warns that nursing women should avoid these fish and get their omega-3 fatty acids from other fish with less of a chance of mercury contamination, such as salmon or canned light tuna.
Considerations
Fish oil supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and not checked for effectiveness, safety or purity. Some fish oil supplements have been found to be contaminated with pesticides or potentially toxic metals like cadmium, mercury and lead. Additionally, consuming more than 3 g daily of any form of fish oil might decrease the blood's ability to clot and cause nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, bad breath and gas. Speak to your doctor about fish oil consumption while you're nursing, particularly if you suffer from depression, a seafood allergy or high blood pressure, or regularly consume herbs like gingko, ginger, ginseng or red clover.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linoleic Acid
- Drugs.com: Fish Oil
- Mail Online: Babies Should Get Fish Oil in the Womb
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