Why Is Omega-3 Important?
There are two types of fish oil supplement. One is safe to take in pregnancy, and one isn't:
a) Supplements made from the body of fish, often called omega-3 supplements, are safe to take in pregnancy.
b) Supplements made from the liver of fish, such as cod liver oil, are not safe to take in pregnancy.
Adequate intake of Omega 3 fats is essential to maintaining the balanced production of the hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help regulate many important physiological functions including blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve transmission, the inflammatory and allergic responses, the functions of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract and the production of other hormones. Depending on the type of fatty acids in the diet, certain types of prostaglandins may be produced in large quantities, while others may not be produced at all. This prostaglandin imbalance can lead to disease.
The role of omega-3s in producing beneficial prostaglandins may explain why they have been shown to have so many health benefits, including the prevention of heart disease, improving cognitive function and the regulation of inflammation. High doses of omega-3s have been used to treat and prevent mood disorders and new studies are identifying their potential benefits for a wide range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
As a result of the reduced nutrient content of our modern diet, the need for nutritional supplements before, during and after pregnancy is becoming more important these days. Adequate nutrition is essential in helping to support the health of the fetus and the mother alike.
Nutritional deficiency can cause serious consequences. It is believed that depletion in Folic Acid may increase the likelihood of developing a congenital disorder. Omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish are similarly vital to the formation of new tissues, particularly those of the brain, nervous system and retina. It can likely enhance IQ and learning too
BENIFITS
Omega-3s have been found to be essential for both neurological and early visual development of the baby. However, the standard western diet is severely deficient in these critical nutrients. This omega-3 dietary deficiency is compounded by the fact that pregnant women become depleted in omega-3s, when the fetus uses omega-3s for its nervous system development. Omega-3s are also used after birth to make breast milk. With each subsequent pregnancy, mothers are further depleted. Research has confirmed that adding EPA and DHA to the diet of pregnant women has a positive effect on visual and cognitive development of the baby. Studies have also shown that higher consumption of omega-3s may reduce the risk of allergies in infants.
Omega-3 fatty acids have positive effects on the pregnancy itself. Increased intake of EPA and DHA has been shown to prevent pre-term labor and delivery, lower the risk of pre-eclampsia and may increase birth weight. Omega-3 deficiency also increases the mother’s risk for depression. This may explain why postpartum mood disorders may become worse and begin earlier with subsequent pregnancies.
In a 2006 national survey, over two-thirds of pregnant women and new mothers said that they had not received any information from their health care providers about the benefits that Omega-3 could provide during their pregnancy and in the postpartum time.The best sources of EPA and DHA are cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies, and herring. Many people are justifiably concerned about mercury and other toxins in fish, especially during pregnancy. For this reason, purified fish oil supplements are often the safest source of EPA and DHA. A high quality fish oil supplement from a reputable manufacturer delivers the health benefits of EPA and DHA without the risk of toxicity.
FOREVER ARCTIC SEA- OMEGA 3 & 6
Forever fish oil is a unique formulation sourced from specially selected fish from deep sea cold waters. These deep sea fish are from a pristine environment ensuring Forever Arctic Sea is completely free from any contaminants such as mercury, PCB’s or any heavy metals.
Forever Living’s Arctic Sea Fish OIl is manufactured to pharmaceutical standards in an exclusive manufacturing process and a unique proprietary formulation others can’t match. Absolute purity is assured as Arctic Sea undergoes a multiple molecular distillation process that ensures maximum quality and purity.
Dosage Recommendations
ISSFAL (The International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids) has established the following recommended minimum dosage chart:
Infants (1-18 months):0-15 lbs: 32 mg/lb EPA+DHA
Children (1.5-15 yrs):15 mg/lb EPA+DHA
Adults (15-115 yrs):500 mg EPA+DHA
(with a minimum of 220 mg EPA and 220 mg DHA)
Pregnant and Lactating Women:300 mg DHA daily
Additional Supplements
Forever B12 Plus®
This nutritional supplement helps maintain healthy homocysteine levels in the body and is particularly beneficial to women wishing to conceive or during the first 3 months of pregnancy. This product incorporates a time-release formula that helps the metabolic processes.
Forever Active Probiotic®
“Probiotic” is microorganism that exists in our bodies that is beneficial to our health. This product contains 6 strains of probiotic. Together, they promote a healthy digestive system, nutrient absorption and immune function, both are vital to pregnant women.
Nature-Min®
This supplement contains trace minerals from natural sea bed deposit. Minerals are critical to many functions of the body, such as the growth & maintenance of bones & teeth, controlling the composition of body fluids & cells, releasing and utilizing of energy.
Forever Absorbent-C®
Vitamin C is very important to our body. It promotes healthy eyes, skin & joints, helps cardiovascular system & respiratory functions, and is itself an antioxidant. Apart from vitamin C, this supplement also contains oat bran, which may also support healthy cholesterol levels.
