Fish oil provides high levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which can support the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children. However, a safe dose of fish oil for infants and children has not yet been established. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or a new parent, ask your doctor when and whether fish oil will be safe and beneficial for you and your baby.
Fish Oil and Omega-3s
Fish oil contains the omega-3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. EPA and DHA appear in significant amounts only in fatty fish and oils taken from those fish. Fish oil supplements might be helpful in preventing or treating conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and depression. They also might support fetal growth and development, maternal health and babies’ health during breastfeeding.
Fish Oil for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, fish oil might help reduce the chance of preterm labor and postpartum depression. Fish oil also has been studied for its possible effects on brain development of fetuses and breastfed infants, but the results of these studies remain inconclusive. A study published in the December 2003 “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology” showed that fish oil supplements in pregnancy might result in diminished allergies in children, but more long-term studies need to be conducted before recommendations can be made.
Fish Oil for Infants
Some types of infant formula are enriched with essential fatty oils. At one time, fish oil was used to boost formulas’ EPA and DHA levels, but this resulted in diminished levels of arachidonic acid, or AA, an omega-6 essential fatty acid essential for infant development. The reason for this effect is not fully understood, but fish oil is no longer used in infant formulas in the U.S. A safe dose of fish oil for infants has not yet been established in the U.S., but the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids recommends 32 mg per pound of body weight. Always consult your doctor before giving fish oil supplements to your baby.
Warnings
Some types of fatty fish and fish oil can contain environmental contaminants like methylmercury, which is toxic and extremely harmful to fetal and childhood development. Pregnant and lactating women and small children should avoid eating shark, swordfish, tilefish and mackerel, and limit consumption of tuna. Many mercury-free fish oil supplements are available; choose one from a reputable manufacturer. The Association of Perinatal Medicine recommends a very moderate dose of about 200 mg DHA a day for pregnant and lactating women, or one to two servings of fatty fish a week. Your doctor can recommend a safe dose for you.
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