Pregnant women are not getting enough omega-3

NEWS

The first ever study on the intakes of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnant women in New Zealand, has found only 30 per cent are getting the recommended daily amount.

COMMENT

Throughout our lives, omega-3 fatty acids play vital roles in maintaining our health. Required for the proper functioning of the heart, brain, eyes and other organs, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are particularly crucial as the human body can only manufacture them in limited amounts. Significantly, therefore, research suggests that supplementing our diets with these key micronutrients can provide a wide variety of impressive benefits to our health.

But omega-3 fatty acids are not the only micronutrients that are required in optimum amounts by the body in order to ensure good health. Others, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements, also play vital roles.

Moreover, in pregnancy, it is important to realize that a woman’s requirement for micronutrients increases. This higher need has to be properly met, as proper nutrition is vital for the developing fetus. Otherwise, an inadequate intake of micronutrients at any stage of pregnancy will affect the organ systems, birth weight, and even survival of the baby. For more information about the importance of micronutrients during pregnancy, see parts one and two of a special feature article on the website of the Dr. Rath Research Institute.