Influence of maternal DHA supplements on infant morbidity
Researchers in the US and Mexico studied the effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on immune function and inflammation.
Researchers in the US and Mexico studied the effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on immune function and inflammation.
Several health organizations have come together to review the evidence. Here’s what we know.
International experts recommend that pregnant women increase their DHA intakes. But researchers at the Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia, failed to identify benefits in the DOMInO (DHA to Optimize Mother Infant Outcome) study.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden studied the association between fish intake and academic achievement among Swedish adolescents.
In a Medscape editorial, Dr. George Griffing from Saint Louis University in Missouri outlines the benefits.
 Since starting this blog in 2006 there have been more than 150 posts about omega-3 fatty acids. Believe it or not, most pregnant women in Australia still have no clue.
Perinatal depression includes major and minor depressive episodes during pregnancy or within the first 12 months following delivery. Researchers from Taiwan report that taking omega-3 fatty acids might be beneficial.
 Should you eat more omega-3-rich fish for a healthier heart, or avoid fish because of contaminants, such as mercury? Dr. Donald Hensrud, who is chair of Mayo Clinic’s Division of Preventive Medicine has posted his thoughts on MayoClinic.com. And, I found a useful link to safe seafood, state to state.
 Clinicians from Southampton University Hospitals Trust report on 3 patients with disabling salicylate-induced intolerance.
Omega-3 fatty acids, of course There’s so much good stuff it’s hard to know where to start.
Recently, 2 studies (here and here) showed that increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of pregnant women had many benefits for their children years later. Unfortunately, modifying the dietary intake of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids during early childhood does not change the risk of getting asthma later on.
HealthBeat, published by Harvard Health Publications, has an excellent article with solid recommendations about the health benefits and risk of eating seafood. It’s particularly appropriate in light of recent studies here and here supporting the value of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnant women. Some useful excerpts
For the second time in less than two months, a study of pregnant women concludes that their babies do better if the women make sure they get enough omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. In this case, “enough” is more than the 340 grams of seafood per week that’s usually recommended. This time they ate seafood … Continue reading More support for expectant moms to eat the right amount of seafood
The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition has summarized the recommendations from official groups, worldwide. Their website should be essential reading for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and women thinking of becoming pregnant. Let’s summarize their summary recommendations.
Here’s more evidence that the health of your offspring is influenced by what mom eats while pregnant. This study appears to support a growing body of science that has linked diet to asthma.
Relatively high doses of omega 3-rich fish oil supplements during the second half of pregnancy appear safe and beneficial to the baby.