What Everyone Should Know About a Prenatal Fish Oil Blend

If you’re expecting a baby the chances are you haven’t given much thought to a nutrient called docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. But this substance can be critical during pregnancy to keep inflammation in the mother at bay, as well as, help support critical brain development in the baby. And the best source of this healthful nutrient can be found in a special prenatal fish oil blend.

The truth is everyone can benefit from the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids present in a quality fish oil supplement…not just pregnant mothers and developing infants. The DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) contained in this dietary supplement is derived from the algae consumed by the fish.

Now, there is another way to get both these essential fatty acids that involves the body converting a third nutrient called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA . Many people accomplish this by taking a flax seed oil supplement. Unfortunately, a sizeable percentage of the nutritional value of ALA is lost as the body makes the conversion. That is why it makes better sense, especially during pregnancy, to get these fatty acids from an animal source rather than a plant source.

So why is this such a big deal during pregnancy?

Well, scientists from the Netherlands conducted an extensive study on 300 umbilical cord blood samples to quantify levels of marine-derived DHA. Then the babies who supplied the samples were followed over the next eight years as they developed. There were specific findings relative to those babies who received the highest levels of this healthy fat while they were growing in their mother’s womb. These findings included:

· Better ability to stay on task and remain focused. Less likely to exhibit behaviors associated with ADHD and ADD

· Well-developed eye-hand coordination enabling them to tie their shoe laces or catch a ball

· Better overall verbal skills confirmed through higher scores on verbal comprehension tests

· Displayed a resistance to a common childhood eye condition known as amblyopia

But you may be surprised to learn that benefits derived from this essential addition to a prenatal diet can be evidenced long before a child turns eight. Abbot Laboratories funded studies which revealed that toddlers who received a formula containing docosahexaenoic acid in addition to another nutrient known as arachidonic acid were more likely to speak their first words by the age of 14 months.

So as you can see, the right kind of fish oil supplement can make a significant difference in the health and development of children before and after birth. Taking the right supplement over the course of your pregnancy can produce benefits for your child all through their early developmental years.

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