Tuesday, November 24, 2009

DHA And Fish Oil. Breastfeeding Mothers Need More Of Both.

By Peter Bertonach

There are now clearly established benefits to increasing our intake of essential fatty acids known as omega 3 fats, including the most important called DHA. Studies show that over 90 percent of Americans have dietary intake levels of Omega3 fats that are way too low and this can be improved by daily supplementation with capsules of fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers are no exception and they now have more powerful reasons than ever to undertake fish oil supplementation. One of the most important breastfeeding tips to give to any new mother is to start taking Omega 3 capsules to increase the benefits of breastfeeding to her infant.

It is established that the growing fetus has a very high demand for these 2 omega 3 essential fatty acids. But this demand does not decrease when the baby is born. And of course for any fetus, and any baby with a breastfeeding mother, their only source of omega 3 fats is from the mother.

Studies are now clearly showing the importance of adequate levels of DHA in the breastmilk of breastfeeding mothers. The studies are showing that babies of breastfeeding mothers who supplement their diet with fish oil supplements show much higher scores at 30 months of age on psychomotor development, do better in IQ assessments and have better visual development.

These are powerful reasons for a breastfeeding mother to increase her intake of fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers, like the rest of our population, are generally deficient in the important omega 3 essential fatty acids.

If your intake of seafood products is adequate then this should not be the case, however studies show that for almost all of us our intake of seafoods is not adequate. There are a number of reasons for this. Fish is expensive and it is also generally recognized that most fish is contaminated with toxins such as mercury.

There are plant based sources of Omega3 fats however these are a different form of essential fatty acids and are nowhere near is beneficial to us or to our babies as the important omega 3 essential fatty acid called DHA.

The perfect way for a breastfeeding mother to increase the levels of DHA in her milk is to undertake daily omega 3 supplementation with omega 3 capsules based on fish oil. Breastfeeding mothers can do this daily and much more cost effectively than eating fish. And the best fish oil capsules available are completely free of any contamination.

The benefits of DHA for babies of breastfeeding mothers are now established. There are solid reasons for breastfeeding mothers to start omega 3 supplementation right from conception, (or before), right through nursing and then to continue to supplementation thereafter for the health of the mother.

But it's important to know that not all Omega 3 capsules are the same. You need to know how to compare the different fish oil capsules available on the market to find those that represent the best value and the best effectiveness.

Visit my website to find out how to compare the different Omega 3 capsules available.

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