Fish Oil During Pregnancy Can Benefit Baby For Years

It’s no secret that inflammation is a common element in nearly every chronic disease from diabetes to cancer.

Enter Omega-3 fatty acids. Especially during pregnancy.

Research has shown that EPA and DHA, which are the Omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish, can inhibit an enzyme that would otherwise cause inflammation in your body. EPA and DHA can also be used by other enzymes to make anti-inflammatory compounds called resolvins. Further studies point strongly towards reducing inflammatory diseases like asthma, arthritis, and allergies link when taking an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

It’s worth noting that both fish oil and olive oil are great sources of healthy fats. But they’re different in important ways. EPA and DHA are found in fatty fish, but not in olive oil. And EPA and DHA are key to reducing inflammation.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Family Practice demonstrated the importance of animal-based Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy. That study showed Omega-3 fats are hugely significant to human health – starting in utero. Quite simply, an expecting mother taking an Omega-3 supplement can make measurable improvement in the health of her baby.

Researchers in Denmark studied more than 700 pregnant women from week 24 of their pregnancies right through the first week after each baby was born. During that time, the mothers either took EPA and DHA in the form of a fish oil supplement or they took a placebo, which was olive oil capsules. The study found that the babies of the women who took fish oil had a lower risk of asthma at ages 3 to 5 compared with the children of mothers who took the placebo. 

Furthermore, the fish oil supplement had the greatest benefit to the children of the moms who had the lowest levels of EPA and DHA before they began the study. What this suggests is that the worse the diet of the pregnant mother, the more important supplementation is. 

In addition, the study showed that the children of the mothers who took fish oil sustained a higher body mass index from the ages of 1 to 6. The higher BMI had nothing to do with body fat. It was due to a higher percentage of lean muscle and bone mass. This tells us that Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, help to build strong healthy bones and muscles – not to mention brains.

I see this with my own kids. My wife takes fish oil supplements and she took them while she was pregnant and nursing. Plus our kids eat really good diets and take supplements. If you were to pick up my kids, you’d find they’re surprisingly heavy for their size and build. A few people who have picked them up have commented that it’s really noticeable. But my children are not fat. They’re very lean and muscular. The heavier weight for their size (heavier than you expect) has to do with muscle and bone development.

The study concluded that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy:

• reduces the risk for asthma in childhood and
• is associated with an increase in lean bone and muscle mass and
• has a general growth stimulating effect on kids

It’s standard practice for doctors to ensure their pregnant patients take folic acid supplements, but imagine the healthy start children would get if doctors screened pregnant women for an Omega-3 deficiency.

So, if you know anyone who’s expecting, share this blog with them and the link to the study. 

Meanwhile, even if you’re not an expectant mom, make sure to supplement with fish oil. It’s one of the key supplements that everyone should take. I’ll cover more on this in an upcoming video and blog.

"I had taken these fish oil pills before on and off for the health effects. After I had LASIK surgery, I took them daily. I try never to miss a dose because it really helps with my dry eye. It really makes a difference to my eyes. The dry eye is not gone but it is better. These pills, combines with systane drops gives great relief."