Evidence suggests that pregnant women are more likely to have an increased need for essential Omega 3 fatty acids compared with women who are not pregnant. Studies show significant beneficial effects on pregnancy and child development with increased consumption of Omega 3, preventing low birth weight, pre-term labour and pre-eclampsia.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major structural fat in the human brain and eyes, representing about 97% of all Omega 3 fats in the brain, and 93% of all Omega 3 fats in the (eye) retina. This information offers that DHA is particularly important for foetal development of the brain and retina during pregnancy and child development.
Maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal brain and eye development of the foetus, and breastfed infants. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200 mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake for Omega 3 Fatty Acids for adults (250 mg DHA & EPA).
DHA intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100 mg of DHA.