Are you pregnant? It’s time to reach for the fish oil. Whether you are having strange cravings for seafood or not, this fishy product can help to ensure the healthy development of your baby. We reckon that’s a pretty good reason to invest in a jar...
When was the last time you tucked in to a plate of oily fish? A staggering 65% of the population fall short of the government’s recommended daily intake of essential fatty acids. It is therefore important to take supplements to address this deficiency – particularly if you are a mum-to-be. Efalex® Mother & Baby is a new fish oil supplement designed to keep the body’s essential fatty acids at an optimum level. During pregnancy, the growing baby often uses up the mother’s natural stock of fatty acids - so it’s important to keep these vital nutrients topped up.
So how can fish oil help you and your baby? Two of the key fatty acids found in Efalex® Mother & Baby are particularly important for foetal development:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – this fatty acid helps to promote cell turnover, encourage the healthy development of blood cells and form the building blocks of the brain, nervous system and eyes.
Arachidonic acid (AA) – one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, AA is vital for early neurological development as well as muscle development and strength.
It’s always good to see that products are supported by research. The 2010 placebo-controlled DOMInO trial, which involved nearly 2,400 pregnant women (who took either Efalex® Mother & Baby or a placebo) revealed a 60% reduction in slow developing cognitive and language skills in infants. The study also showed a 35% reduction in the incidence of low birth weight babies. Who knew that fish were so important?
Supplementation can also be helpful after your little bundle of joy has been delivered. Peter Clough, Technical Director at Efamol Ltd, explains: ‘After birth, breast milk supplies the DHA and AA that is required for your baby to continue its development. However, if the mother is not getting enough DHA in her diet and she also does not have enough DHA stored as fat, then that DHA will be taken from her brain. In fact, a woman’s brain can shrink by about 3% during pregnancy. Consequently, her body stores can become depleted resulting in health risks for her including post natal depression’.
If you fancy a bit of a fishy boost, you can purchase Efalex® Mother & Baby from large Boots stores. Want to know more about what you should be eating during pregnancy? Why not have a look at our nutritional advice page for details of nutritionists near you.
