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Pregnancy and breastfeeding

DHA is an essential element in the formation of the brain, nervous system and eyes of the foetus and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is one of the most important properties and one of most unknown and we should highlight this is an essential property of only DHA and not attributable to the rest of Omega 3 acids.


DHA can be normally found in our body in cell membranes, but the greatest concentration is found in our brain. There it has a fundamental function such as provide fluidity to cell membranes in Synapses functions.

 

The study financed by the European Commission and performed by the Perinatal Nutrition Lipidic Project (PeriLip) and the Early Nutrition Programming Project (EARNEST) concludes:

 

- The foetus and baby shall receive long-chain polysaturated fatty acids (AGPI-CL) in sufficient quantity to optimize its cognitive and visual development
- Consumption of oils rich in AGPI-CL Omega 3 during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature birth (although the gynaecologist must advise the pregnant woman on what to do in each specific case)
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding woman shall ingest on average a minimum of 200 mg of DHA per day
- Breastfeeding is recommended for children feeding on breast milk born in time
- When breastfeeding is not possible, we recommend the use of a preparation for babies with 0.2-0.5% of DHA over total lipids and a quantity equal or greater of Araquidonic acid (Omega 6)

 

(J Pernat Med 2008;36:5-14)

 

Furthermore, the French Food Healthcare Safety Agency (AFSSA) recommends 250 mg of DHA per day for expectant and breastfeeding mothers.
 
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