The omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may help increase a developing baby’s cognitive functioning. DHA is essential for optimum development of the brain, eyes and central nervous system. Adequate DHA intake may also help reduce the risks of pre-term labor and of postpartum depression in the mother.
Throughout the third trimester of pregnancy, DHA is passed to the fetus through the placenta. Some experts believe DHA is associated with the eventual ability to learn, judge and concentrate. One study showed children whose mothers took a DHA supplement during pregnancy scored higher on intelligence tests at four years of age than children of mothers not taking DHA supplements.(1) Other research suggests breastfed babies have IQs of six to 10 points higher than formula-fed babies. Medical and nutritional experts attribute this difference to the DHA infants receive while nursing.
The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, nor can it convert omega-6 fatty acids – plentiful in the Western diet – into omega-3s. Fatty fish provide high concentrations of omega-3s, but due to concerns over toxins, experts recommend limiting fish intake during pregnancy. Purified fish oil supplements offer a solution for obtaining optimal levels of omega-3s such as DHA without the risks of contamination.
Rainbow Light’s DHA 250 Smart Essentials™ provides optimal, one-per-day support for cognitive development with 250 mg DHA, plus additional nutrients for brain and heart health, all in a molecularly distilled formulation designed for easy digestion and exceptional purity when you need it most.
(1) Helland IB, Smith L, et. al. Maternal supplementation with very-long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments children’s IQ at 4 years of age. Pediatrics. 2003; 111; 39-44.