Waiting for a Genius, or Why Drink Omega-3s During Pregnancy?
For a long time no one doubts the benefits of taking vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. They are needed for the correct development of the baby, the successful course of pregnancy, and normal childbirth. But Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are neither vitamins nor minerals. However, they are definitely needed while carrying a baby. Why? Let's talk in more detail.
For the health and intelligence of the child
Our brain, nervous system and eyes are 30% Omega-3. But at the same time, our body cannot synthesize these substances on its own, therefore it "extracts" them from other sources. During pregnancy, all organs and systems of the baby are laid and formed, and, naturally, the lack of "building materials" at this stage is simply unacceptable. Omega-3 deficiency during intrauterine development can result in hyperactivity, emotional instability, and reduced cognitive abilities.
But there is good news as well. Studies in the UK have shown that babies have much greater potential for intellectual development with an adequate intake of Omega-3s during pregnancy. Logical and imaginative thinking, gross and fine motor skills - according to all these parameters, children from the control group developed faster and showed better results.
In addition to building the brain and nervous system, Omega-3s are necessary for the formation of immunity, the proper functioning of the digestive system, and the normal development of the retina. According to research, children who have not received enough Omega-3 PUFAs in the embryonic period are more susceptible to allergic and atopic diseases, they have a higher risk of developing hypertension.
For a safe pregnancy
In many countries of the world, special studies have been carried out on the effect of Omega-3 on bearing a child. As a result, it was found that taking Omega-3 reduces certain risks of pregnancy:
- spontaneous abortion and premature birth. Omega-3s regulate the production of prostaglandins, which, in excess, cause uterine contractions and can lead to miscarriage or premature birth 1;
- development of late toxicosis (gestosis), preeclampsia and eclampsia;
- the birth of a child with low body weight;
- the development of thrombosis and the formation of blood clots;
- increased blood pressure and the development of hypertension;
- the onset of a depressive state (including postpartum depression).
In addition, Omega-3s strengthen the walls of blood vessels, have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, support vision and immunity, improve brain function, and reduce fatigue.
In 2017, scientists made a very relevant discovery for expectant mothers. According to research, the higher the concentration of omega-3 in the blood during pregnancy, the lower the risk of gaining excess weight during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
How to provide the body with Omega-3 during pregnancy?
Many women become pregnant when they are already deficient in Omega-3. By the second trimester, when a large amount of Omega-3 is required for the development of the fetus, this deficiency in the woman's body increases. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have adequate Omega-3 intake from the first days of pregnancy. The best option is to take it even before conception, so that the body has time to accumulate the necessary supply.
The leader in Omega-3 content is fatty sea fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies). Omega-3 is also found in some vegetable oils (flaxseed, rapeseed, sesame), chia seeds, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, beans.
However, there are nuances in getting Omega-3s from natural foods that you need to be aware of, especially for a pregnant woman.
There are 11 omega-3 acids in total, but the most important for humans are docosahexaenoic (DHA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), a slightly smaller role is played by alpha-linolenic (ALA). When we talk about the beneficial properties of Omega-3, their positive effects on the brain, nervous and cardiovascular systems, we are talking about DHA and EPA. Plant foods contain mainly alpha-linolenic acid, which in our body must be converted into docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic. Our bodies are able to assimilate about 5-7% of alpha-linoleic acid from plant foods, so plant sources are not the most effective way to provide yourself with Omega-3.
Fish oil contains easily digestible and undeniably useful DHA and EPA, however, there are some "buts" here too.
Certain types of fish, such as salmon, are currently not caught in their natural habitat, but are raised on special farms. Moreover, the basis of their diet is not marine flora and fauna, but compound feed. As a result, "farm" fish contains little Omega-3, although it is still fatty and tasty, and also affordable.
Therefore, the most environmentally friendly and clean sources of Omega-3 are small fish - anchovies and sardines. For example, Azov anchovies, known to us as anchovies, contain approximately 23-28% fat, and almost all of it is Omega-3 PUFA. In Peruvian anchovies, this figure is even higher - 40-60%. And due to the fact that Peruvian anchovies feed mainly on plant plankton, they do not accumulate heavy metals in themselves (unlike large predatory fish). By the way, it is these Omega-3 PUFAs - that is, obtained from Peruvian anchovies - that are part of the "Pregnoton Mama" complex.
Each capsule of "Pregnoton Mama" contains Omega-3 in a dosage that is recommended for pregnant women - 200 mg (in terms of DHA).
It should be noted that "Pregnoton Mama" is a whole complex of useful substances to support mom and baby:
- Contains 11 vitamins and 4 minerals in the required dosage.
- Folate (vitamin B 9) is present in two forms: "regular" folic acid and its highly active form, methyltetrahydrofolate (Extrafolate TM). In most vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women B 9 is presented only in the form of "normal" folic acid. In its pure form, this form of the vitamin is not used by our body; it must additionally convert folic acid into its active form. Unfortunately, this function is impaired in about 5-11% of women due to genetic characteristics. Methyltetrahydrofolate is an active form of folic acid that is immediately ready to fulfill its biological role and does not require additional efforts from the body.
- Contains iron in liposome form (Lipofer TM), which does not cause gastrointestinal side effects. In addition, liposomal iron is absorbed by the body better than traditional forms, for example, pyrophosphate and fumarate, which makes it possible to more effectively provide a woman with iron.
- Contains iodine, sufficient intake of which is a prerequisite for the full development of the child and normal childbirth. Unfortunately, most of the territory of our country is iodine deficient, so during pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman needs an additional source of iodine.
Pregnoton Mama can be taken during conception planning, throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding to provide mother and baby with all the necessary substances.
During breastfeeding, Omega-3s will actively enter milk, since they are especially important in the first year of a baby's life. Therefore, it is very important to take medications with Omega-3 and after childbirth, during the entire period of breastfeeding.
1 Omega 3 Fatty Acid Research, MC Teale
Dietary supplement. It is not a medicine.
SGR No. RU.77.99.11.003. E.005092.11.17 dated 24.11.2017
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