Staying healthy during pregnancy is something that all women want, and an important part of them is to take the supplements or vitamins that our doctor prescribes, which are a an important part for our babies to be born healthy and prevent any congenital disease.
According to a recent study from the University of Waterloo in Canada, taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements pregnancy reduces the chance of your child suffering from asthma by almost a third.
The study: measuring fatty acids
The research results showed that women who were prescribed 2.4 grams of long-chain omega-3 supplements during the third trimester of their pregnancy reduced the risk of asthma in their children by up to 31%. Some of these long chain fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in cold-water fish and help regulate the immune system response.
The scientists analyzed blood samples from 695 women during the 24th week of pregnancy, as well as a week after delivery. Later, they monitored each baby's health for the next five years, which is the age at which asthma symptoms can be established clinically.
For the study they measured the levels of EPA and DHA fatty acids in the blood of pregnant women. It was found that those with lower levels of EPA and DHA at the start of the study were the ones who benefited most from the supplements, since in these women the risk of their children suffering from asthma was reduced by 54%.
On these latest results, scientists believe it is important to identify these women to provide them with long-chain omega-3 supplements, as a measure for the prevention and reduction of asthma in children.
Professor Hans Bisgaard, who participated in the investigation stated that they had long suspected that there was a relationship between the anti-inflammatory properties of long-chain omega-3 acids, the low intake of omega-3 in western diets and the increase in Childhood asthma rates. "This study proves that they are definitely and significantly related"he concluded.
More benefits of consuming omega 3 in pregnancy
Without a doubt, taking omega-3 while we are waiting for a baby is something that all pregnant women should consider, since in addition to this latest study, it has been shown to have many benefits for mother and baby.
It is important to remember that taking omega-3 is beneficial for both as long as it is consumed the recommended amount during pregnancy, which will be indicated by the doctor who is keeping track of it. Some of these benefits are as follows:
- It helps reduce the risk of preeclampsia and hypertension.
- It reduces the possibility of having a premature delivery, extending the pregnancy from 4 to 6 days, thus reducing the risk of premature delivery in women with a history.
- It decreases the probability of suffering depression in pregnancy, since it is considered a natural source for the treatment of moods.
- It helps the development of vision and nervous system of the developing baby.
- It improves the cognitive and neurological function of the baby, favoring its brain development.
- Reduces colds in babies, as they have fewer symptoms and the duration is shorter.
What foods contain omega-3?
Fortunately, in addition to supplements there are various foods rich in omega-3 that we can consume during pregnancy so that our baby obtains the benefits that I have told you.
It is well known that the fish is rich in omega-3However, during pregnancy its consumption should be limited, since it has high amounts of mercury that can be harmful to the baby.
Some of the foods in which you can find omega-3 are the following:
- Flaxseed oil or seeds
- Walnuts, which are also rich in vitamin E
- Eggs enriched in omega-3
- Omega-3 enriched dairy preparations
- Cookies and cereals enriched in omega-3
- Pumpkin seeds or seeds
- Peanut butter
- Canola or olive oil
- Blue fish, such as sardine, salmon, tuna, bonito, trout, among others
So you know, include omega-3 in your diet during pregnancy, as part of a balanced and varied diet To give the best to your baby.
