The Role of Omega-3 Long-Chain Fatty Acids During Pregnancy

In the past decade or so, scientists have recognized the importance of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCFA) during pregnancy and early developmental life of the newborn child. Research shows that adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids enhance development of the fetal and infant brain and may improve cognitive development, visual acuity, hand eye coordination and attention span. In addition, recent research indicates that maternal omega-3 fatty acid intake lowers the infant’s risk of developing allergies and asthma later in life. Omega-3 fatty acids are also very important for maternal wellbeing. Not only do they protect from cardiovascular disease, lower triglyceride levels and may prevent inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, they also have a specific effect on maternal health and the outcome of pregnancy: They appear to reduce incidence of preeclampsia, preterm labor and the risk for perinatal and postpartum depression.