How Can Omega-3 fatty acids Benefit My Baby?

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most important nutrients that you can get when your baby is growing and developing inside of your womb. In addition to the benefits that Omega-3 fatty acids provide during pregnancy, they also benefit your baby after childbirth. The omega-3 fatty acids that you consume while breastfeeding are actually transferred to your baby, and help give your baby that important nutrient.

How exactly, though, do Omega-3 fatty acids benefit your baby? Well, first of all, they benefit your baby by helping with prenatal development. Research suggests that a baby who doesn’t get enough Omega-3 fatty acids while in the womb and as a newborn can have some developmental problems. Some of the sorts of developmental problems that Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent include problems with the development of the retina, poor vision, and even trouble with cognitive development.

Omega-3 fatty acids don’t only benefit your baby, however. They benefit you, too. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help reduce the level of triglycerides in your system, which will ultimately lower your risk for heart disease. There is emerging evidence to suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent a number of other diseases, including depression, ADHD, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Just like you have a greater need for folic acid when you’re pregnant, you have a greater need for Omega-3 fatty acids. You can get this nutrient fairly easily. You can get Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed and other seeds. Some Omega-3 fatty acid fish oil supplements come with an enteric coating that can help the supplement to taste less like fish, which is a common problem for such supplements.

The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids to both you and your baby are innumerable. If you’re not already taking a supplement, consider starting one today.

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This entry was posted under You're Pregnant.