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.
About Jayson Hunter & Jaylab Pro
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Jaylab Pro was founded by Registered Dietitian Jayson Hunter. Jayson has been recognized as one of America's foremost weight loss experts by America's Premier Experts™. He has also been featured in USA Today for this accomplishment. Jayson is also a best-selling author having co-authored multiple books in health & fitness and business growth. Jayson and the Jaylab Pro team are proud to create content that helps improve the lives of millions of people around the world. We hope you enjoy it just as much as others have.