DHA acid during pregnancy, necessary for the proper development of the child

DHA acid is one of the main building materials of the brain (it accounts for as much as 30% of the cerebral cortex). It accumulates in it between the 26th and 40th week of pregnancy - when it is the most intensebrain and central nervous system (CNS) growth, cognitive functions and speech organs develop. In addition, DHA has a neuroprotective effect on the brain - it protects neurons against the development of inflammatory changes, and thus - against their damage. DHA deficiency in pregnancy can lead to brain underdevelopment and various nervous system disorders, which may only become apparent after many years and result in problems with memory, learning, reduced perception and emotional changes. Prophylactic DHA supplementation reduces the risk of developing cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism and dyslexia in children. In addition, studies show that children of mothers who supplemented with DHA acid during pregnancy have better results in intelligence tests than their peers who did not receive this beneficial acid in utero.

DHA acid - dosing during pregnancy

According to the recommendations of the Polish Gynecological Society, pregnant women - in the case of low consumption of fish and other DHA sources - should consume no less than 600 mg of DHA daily. On the other hand, pregnant women at high risk of preterm labor should take 1000 mg of DHA daily. Supplementation should be started in the first month of pregnancy.

DHA acid guarantees the proper development of eyesight

DHA acid is also an important building component of the eye's retina (it accounts for 20-25% of retinal receptor phospholipids). DHA supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of eye diseases and contributes to the improvement of visual acuity in children. On the other hand, children of women who struggled with DHA deficiency during pregnancy have an increased risk of retinopathy leading to blurred vision, including complete loss of vision.

DHA acid should also be taken after pregnancy

At birth (even in he althy infants), both the brain and the eyes are not fully developed. In order for the further process of development of these organs to proceed properly, DHA should be supplemented also in breastfeeding mothers, and later in infants themselves, in the amount of at least 100 mg per day.

DHA acid strengthens the child's immune system

DHA supplementation during pregnancy (in a dose of 400 mg a day) helps to strengthen the child's immunity. This is the result of a study by scientists from Emory University in Atlanta, which was published in 2013 in the journal "Pediatrics".

In addition, DHA acid strengthens the child's heart, affects the growth of bone tissue and by 70 percent. reduces the risk of asthma and allergies.

In the first months of life of children whommothers took DHA acid during pregnancy, various symptoms of colds were shortened (in total by 24%). It was also noticed that coughs (by 26%), secretions from the respiratory tract (by 15%) and wheezing (by 30%) were less persistent. The only disease symptom that was observed for them longer (by 22%) was eczema on the skin.

In turn, after the children turned six months, there was a reduction in symptoms such as fever (by 20 percent), nasal discharge (by 13 percent), breathing difficulties (by 54 percent), rash ( 23%), but an increase in the time when children vomited (74%).

Other studies show that the supply of more than 400 mg of DHA reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections and hay fever in children under the age of 1.

Fish is not the best source of DHA for pregnant women

DHA acid is most concentrated in fatty marine fish. However, there is a risk that they are contaminated with heavy metals (e.g. mercury, lead), dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which may be harmful to the fetus. Therefore, the Polish Pediatric Society recommends pregnant women and children under the age of 7 to limit the consumption of sea fish, in particular tuna and salmon (they should not be eaten more than once a week). On the other hand, the National Institute of Hygiene, apart from salmon, advises against eating also herring. In turn, specialists from the Institute of Mother and Child recommend that pregnant women completely eliminate not only fish caught in polluted waters, but also raw fish and seafood (sushi, oysters), which can be a source of dangerous pathogenic bacteria or parasites.

CHECK>>Which fish can be eaten when pregnant?

What about DHA preparations derived from marine fish? These types of preparations are usually safe for both pregnant women and infants, because the high standards of oil production and refining ensure virtually complete reduction of pollutants such as dioxins, heavy metals and PCBs.