Promotes Fetal Brain Health and Development
Experts recommend pregnant women supplement with omega-3 fatty acids because they are crucial for the baby’s brain growth and development while still in the womb. Based on research, DHA accounts for about 40% of the polyunsaturated fats in the brain and 60% of the eye’s retina. So having enough of this fatty acid makes up for higher intelligence and better eyesight.
But those are not the only benefits pregnant women can get from taking fish oil supplements for their unborn child. Omega-3s have also been associated with a reduced risk of ADHD, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and autism. In addition, infants with enough fatty acids grow up with better communication and social skills and fewer behavioral problems.
Once the baby is born, mothers continue to supplement their infant with DHA through their breast milk, while some choose to serve DHA-fortified formulas. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in one’s health start at the first sign of life, during pregnancy and the early stages, building the body’s strength. As a result, they can enhance the child’s development while lowering their risks for several diseases.