The Mystery Nutrient All Pregnant Women Need (But not getting enough of)

A recent study showed that most Americans – and possibly people around the world – are lacking in the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

This could be due to the Western diet that many are exposed to, along with the spread of the Western-style diet around the
world.

In case you didn’t know, Western diets are heavy on omega-6 fatty acids – from hydrogenated oils and vegetable oils – which could spike systematic inflammation throughout the body.

This could lead to everything from fat gain to the developing of chronic diseases, if not balanced correctly.

Well now, a new study shows that most PREGNANT women may also be lacking on the omega-3 fatty acids, which could spell trouble for the developing fetus.

Omega-3 Fats and Pregnancy

The omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are vital to your overall health.

However, due to the type of diet that is most-often consumed, most people are deficient in the healthy, beneficial.

In fact, the ratio between omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats may be 20:1, which is far higher than the recommended 1:4 ratio between the two fats.

The intact of omega-3 fatty acids is important no matter what age you are.  However, they may be vitally important when a woman is pregnant, due to the need for these fats during the development of the child.

But, here’s the thing…

A good majority of pregnant women – nearly three-quarters – may be lacking in their omega-3 fatty acid intake!

And this could spell trouble for your developing baby.

A recent study looking at 600 pregnant women revealed that one 27 percent of women during pregnancy were measured with adequate omega-3 fatty acid levels (according to the ADA and European Union (EU)).

They also noted that 25 percent of women  - three months postpartum – were measured with adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake.

However, there is good news:

Those women who supplemented with a high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement were 10.6 to 11.1 times more likely to meet the current guidelines when it comes to omega-3 fatty acid consumption.

From their work, they concluded: “Our results suggest that the majority of women in the cohort were not meeting the EU recommendation for DHA during pregnancy and lactation, but taking a supplement significantly improved the likelihood that they would meet recommendations.”

Take Home Message

Studies have shown that most people around the world are deficient the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

Now, a new study shows that roughly three-quarters of pregnant women may also be deficient in both DHA and EPA.

The recommended level for pregnant women is 500 mg per day – which most pregnant woman may nit even be close to getting.

In order to maintain a healthy pregnancy – and follow general ADA and EU advice – ensuring you’re getting adequate omega-3 fatty acids may be of utmost importance.

Grab Your Supply Of The BEST Source Of The Omega-3 Fatty Acids

References:

Jia X, Pakseresht M, Watter N, Wildgrube J, Sontag S, Andrews M, Subhan FB, McCargar L, Field CJ, the APrON Study Team.  Women who take n3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements during pregnancy and lactation meet the recommended intake.  Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.  2015 Jan 8.