If you’re here then you’ve probably Google’d about: prenatal dha vitamins during pregnancy. This article aims to clear any doubts and questions you may have about this subject and we will do our best to do so.
Why Is Dha Important During Pregnancy?
Utrients in the right dosage is a concern for many moms-to-be. Research suggests that the risk of preterm birth can be reduced with DHA supplements. Although DHA is present in some foods such as fatty fish, many people may not get adequate levels, especially during pregnancy.
That’s why doctors often recommend a DHA supplement before, during, and after pregnancy. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a critical role in every cell in your body. “But DHA is the most prevalent fat in our brain and may influence the development of cognitive abilities including the attention span in infants,” Ross explains.
What Is Prenatal Dha?
Hare on Pinterest AndreyPopov/Getty Images Prenatal DHA is a type of vitamin or supplement containing the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. However, prenatal DHA supplements or vitamins may also carry other nutrients, including: calcium
vitamin D
choline
B vitamins and folic acid
vitamin C
iron
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid.
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for fetal neurodevelopment and may be important for the timing of gestation and birth weight as well.
Most pregnant women likely do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids because the major dietary source, seafood, is restricted to 2 servings a week. The DHA concentration is high in retinal and brain membrane phospholipids, and it is involved in visual and neural function and neurotransmitter metabolism.2 During the last trimester, the fetus accrues about 50 to 70 mg a day of 1 omega-3 fatty acid, DHA.5,6 Both maternal DHA intake and circulating DHA concentrations are important determinants of fetal blood concentrations of DHA.3 Babies accrue DHA into the CNS up until about 18 months of age.7,8 Although research into the specific pathways affected by these PUFAs is still in its infancy, there is enough understanding to draw conclusions and make recommendations about their dietary intake during the perinatal period.
Dha In Pregnancy
Because DHA is so beneficial for a baby’s brain and eye development, most experts recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women aim to have at least 200 mg of DHA daily.
The best way to ensure you and your baby get the DHA you need is by eating a variety of low-mercury fish. Some prenatal vitamins have the recommended 200 mg of DHA.