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The importance of DHA in pregnancy
The omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a critical nutrient in human nutrition. People cannot make DHA in the body so it must be consumed in foods or obtained from supplements. After 30 years of clinical research, the need for adequate DHA during pregnancy is clearly established. Everyone needs DHA over their lifetime, but the developing years are fundamental. The greatest time of need for DHA is during infant development and the first 2 years of a child's life (1).
How can vegetarians and non-seafood consumers get their daily omega-3 fatty acids?
Foods with the highest amounts of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are oily fish. However, what if you are vegetarian, allergic to seafood, or just don't like fish? How can you make sure that you consume an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids?
Can marine derived omega-3 fatty acids benefit exercise?
We all know that exercise or physical activity is good for you; however, while exercise is beneficial to our health, far too many of us do not partake in regular physical activity. Whether it is gardening, cycling or even a brisk walk or competitive sport, activity can promote cardiovascular and pulmonary health benefits, to name a few. Marine derived omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) also provide cardiovascular benefits. Many regulatory bodies around the world have recommendations for the intake of omega-3 fatty acids for prevention of or as part of a treatment regime for cardiovascular diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids: The Basics
The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are reported more and more frequently and include benefits from heart health to improved cognition and inflammation, with emerging evidence for other benefits as well; but do you know what omega-3 fatty acids are?
Omega-3 fatty acid content of food products (natural and enriched)
Omega-3 fats are essential components of our diet and scientific evidence supports that omega-3 fats are important for brain and retina development, heart health and a number of other emerging health benefits. Plant sources of omega-3 fats contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), which is in high amounts in walnuts, flax, canola and fortified foods.
Omega-3 fatty acids for children and adolescents
Of the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA is particularly important because it is required for optimal growth, development and functioning of the brain and eyes. Significant research on DHA during pregnancy and lactation stages of life and the development of the infant have confirmed a specific role for this omega-3 fatty acid. A developing fetus obtains DHA from the mother and after birth from breast milk. DHA is also supplemented in infant formulas.
Why should I make omega-3 fatty acids part of my daily diet?
Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of visual and brain development and associated with a lower risk of heart complications, among other possible benefits currently being researched. However, our bodies cannot make omega-3 fatty acids (they are considered essential fatty acids) and therefore they need to be part of a healthy diet. Governmental agencies, with the help of scientists and physicians, have determined a Daily Reference Intake (DRI) for many nutrients. The DRI for omega-3 fatty acids place a primary emphasis on adequate consumption of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n3) to satisfy requirements for all ages and both genders.
Highlighted Articles
- The importance of DHA in pregnancy
- How can vegetarians and non-seafood consumers get their daily omega-3 fatty acids?
- Can marine derived omega-3 fatty acids benefit exercise?
- Omega-3 fatty acids: The Basics
- Why should I make omega-3 fatty acids part of my daily diet?
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