Omega-3 Fatty Acids Beneficial for Developing Babies
May 30, 2023
Pregnant women may already be taking prenatal vitamins, but some may want to consider adding omega-3 fatty acids according to new research.
A woman's body doesn't make omega-3s, so she has to get them elsewhere, like in a supplement or through diet. Salmon is a highly recommended healthy omega-3 food for pregnant women.
According to Ashanti Woods, M.D., FAAP, a specialist in General Pediatrics at Mercy Family Care Physicians, new research shows omega-3s may benefit a developing baby's brain, heart, eyes and now, even gut health.
"We also think that the omega-3s can actually help the baby's gut. That's where current research is looking at right now, if it helps the baby with what we call prebiotics and probiotics that ultimately help with gut health," Dr. Woods said.
Omega-3s can also help expectant mothers carry their baby closer to term, which is 40 weeks, Dr. Woods explained. He noted that mothers with newborns may want to consider adding omega-3s to their diet because research has shown they may help with the "baby blues" or post-partum depression.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
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