Being pregnant is a remarkable journey filled with numerous physical and emotional changes. Nutrition is one of the more important topics when you are expecting. Among the many nutrients essential during pregnancy, Omega-3 fatty acids often take a back seat in the nutritional spotlight, yet they rightfully merit a more prominent role.
Pregnancy brings about a unique set of nutritional requirements, and specific nutrients take center stage during this period. Today, these include folic acid, iodine, iron, calcium, vitamin D, antioxidants, and Omega-3 DHA, all essential for supporting the well-being of the mother and the developing baby.
Omega-3 fats are classified as essential because they play a pivotal role in supporting your immune system, brain function, and heart health throughout life. Your body cannot produce enough of these nutrients on its own. Out of more than 10 different Omega-3 fatty acids, the two marine types, EPA and DHA, are particularly potent and you need to obtain these nutrients from high-quality fish, seafood or fish oil supplements.
To reap the health benefits during pregnancy, women are advised to consume at least 200 mg of DHA Omega-3 fatty acids daily, in addition to the generally recommended daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA. Even if fish is part of your regular diet, you may need supplements, depending on how much DHA is stored in the body. A small supply of DHA at the beginning of pregnancy may require you to take supplements early on. However, if you enter the pregnancy with a good supply of DHA you might get by on the Omega-3s you get from food.
Understanding the metabolic changes
As a mother, you are the main supplier of Omega-3s to your baby. Early on, in the first and second trimesters, your body enters an anabolic state, building up body stores of essential nutrients to support the growth of the fetus and optimize its potential to deliver a healthy newborn. In the last trimester, a shift occurs to a catabolic state. During this phase, vast amounts of essential nutrients, including Omega fatty acids, are released from your body’s reserves to provide your baby with a continuous flow of nutrients during its most critical growth phase.
Omega-3 DHA and EPA: Pregnancy’s Dynamic Nutrient Duo
It’s clear to see that both EPA and DHA play a unique role when you’re pregnant. Throughout your pregnancy, your baby heavily relies on your Omega-3 stores, which explains why it is so important to build these reserves. DHA is known for boosting brain health, and it is vital for the baby’s brain and eye development. Recent research even suggests a reduced risk of premature births with higher DHA levels.
Choosing an Omega-3 Supplement
To determine your body’s nutritional needs when you’re pregnant, regular testing of the Omega-3 levels in your blood is recommended. Simply relying on occasional fish consumption or prenatal supplements does not guarantee that your blood levels of Omega-3s meet the desired range. It needs to be measured if you decide to add supplements to your diet, you are advised to get tested every four months to track your body’s response and adjust the intake if need be.
The oil is made from a unique, synergistic formula based on pure, high-grade fish oil and premium extra virgin olive oil. Pre-harvest olives hold the same naturally powerful antioxidants found in fish that keep the Omega-3 nutrients fresh, potent, and easily absorbed in the body. Only a spoonful a day will safely restore your body’s fatty acid balance, protect your body from oxidative stress, and support normal heart and brain function during your pregnancy.
