The story of the discovery of omega-3 acids is as fascinating as their use and effects. It is associated with the indigenous inhabitants of Greenland - the Inuit, who were found to have a minimal incidence of heart disease compared to other nations. By monitoring their eating habits, scientists discovered that the secret to a healthy heart 1 is hidden in fish and essential fatty acids. Omega-3s have a number of other benefits in addition to their beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. They are a key nutrient, influencing all stages of pregnancy, the development of the child, the quality of breast milk, and even your mental state or the course of menstruation.
You know that... A recent clinical study2 showed that women taking omega-3 supplements are 1.5 times more likely to get pregnant than women who do not take them? Supplementation may therefore represent another option for improving fertility.
Fats Your Body Loves
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “healthy fats.” They help all cells function properly, provide energy to the body, regulate inflammation, and support the health of the heart, eyes, brain, and other physiological systems. 3 Omega-3s are an essential nutrient that your body needs. Because it cannot make them on its own, The only possible source of their intake is food and dietary supplements . There are three main types of omega-3:
- ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is the most common form of omega-3. It is found in plant-based foods, especially green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a "marine omega-3". Found in fish and algae. Responsible for the development and function of the brain and eyes. Supports egg reserves in the ovaries, the quality of hair, skin and nails.
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is also a marine omega-3. It improves mood, balances hormonal imbalances, suppresses inflammatory processes and affects a number of other functions in the body. Studies have also found that insufficient amounts of EPA can limit the transfer and uptake of DHA into fetal cells.
You know that... DHA accounts for up to 12% of the total weight of the human brain? Its deficiency is associated with impaired cognitive development in children and an increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis in adults 4 .
Natural help with pregnancy
As mentioned earlier, omega-3s play an important role in successful conception, including regulating hormones, increasing blood flow to the uterus, reducing inflammation in the body, and improving the ability of the embryo to implant in the uterus. Additionally, optimal omega-3 levels have been shown to extend reproductive lifespan in women over the age of 35 5 .
Omega-3 supplements are also important for male fertility, with studies showing that they can significantly improve sperm concentration and motility 6 .
Our tip: If you want to improve your health and chances of getting pregnant, we recommend that you and your partner increase your omega-3 intake to 1000 mg per day 7 .
You know that... healthy omega-3 fats support the formation of the brain and nervous system of a developing baby once you become pregnant?
Pregnancy as it should be
Essential fatty acids support brain development and cell growth in the baby, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, when growth accelerates significantly. Supplementing women with low levels of omega-3s has also been shown to maintain normal pregnancy lengths, leading to a lower incidence of premature births (a leading cause of health problems for the fetus and infants). Another benefit is a reduced risk of preeclampsia (poor placental development) – a serious complication for both baby and mother 8 . Omega-3 levels are also linked to brain function and mood. They can therefore affect a woman’s overall well-being during pregnancy.
Staying well after giving birth
Balanced omega-3 levels are crucial for the nutrient content of breast milk, brain function, mental and hormonal balance, and overall postpartum recovery. During pregnancy, many women are depleted of essential fatty acids. The deficiency often worsens during subsequent pregnancies. Ensuring the necessary omega-3 supplies in the postpartum period is a significant health benefit for both baby and mother, also in terms of subsequent pregnancies.
Top reasons to continue taking omega-3
"Smart Milk"
A baby's brain grows most rapidly during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first two years after birth. That's why it's extremely important for a breastfeeding mother to take omega-3 supplements. Scientists agree that a diet rich in essential fatty acids can increase a baby's intelligence 9 .
No more postpartum depression
Higher omega-3 intake is also important in managing conditions such as postpartum depression 10 . 2019 research 11 reports that new mothers with an omega-3 index of less than 5% were 5 times more likely to have a depressive episode than mothers with a higher index.
You know that... Does omega-3 reduce unpleasant symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and suppress menstrual pain?
Resources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18541598/
2. https://www.focusonreproduction.eu/article/News-in-Reproduction-Omega-3-supplementation
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772061/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5624332/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29451828/
7. https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/fertility-benefits-omega3-fatty-acids/
8. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003402.pub3/full
9. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2013/08/16/Omega-3-rich-infant-formula-may-boost-later-intelligence-Study
10. https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poporodn%C3%AD_deprese
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31003520/
