Benefits of DHA for Mom and Baby
U.S.DHA intake during pregnancy does not meet expert group's recommendation.
View reference material for this graph.
Getting enough DHA is important for people of all ages, but especially so for pregnant or nursing mothers and their babies. Although DHA is important throughout pregnancy, it is particularly important in the third trimester when significant brain growth occurs. After birth, DHA is needed for ongoing brain and eye development.
Babies Benefit from an Adequate Supply of DHA
A natural component of breast milk, DHA supports the optimal development of your baby's:
- Brain and central nervous system
- Eyes
- Heart
- Nerve signal transmission
Some studies have shown that when infants received adequate levels of DHA in utero or from breast milk or DHA-fortified formula after birth, they achieved:
- Higher visual acuity and verbal skills at age 4 26
- Lower blood pressure at age 6 27
- Better psychomotor development (such as eye-hand coordination) at age 2 1/2 28
- Better attention skills at age 5 29
Note: Not all studies showed the same results
DHA content in breast milk is significantly lower
among U.S. women compared to women of most other countries.
View reference material for this graph.
©2008 Martek Biosciences
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