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Omega-3 and health
· Pregnancy and lactation
We know that omega-3 acids are essential for the development of the nervous system in the fœtus and infant, and that women who take little omega-3 during pregnancy have a higher risk of post-natal depression. Two Danish studies have shown that women who take additional omega-3 acids in the last three months of pregnancy have children with healthier birth rates and are less likely to give birth prematurely. A panel of experts headed by the American nutritionist Artemis Simopoulos, a specialist in omega-3 acids, has made the recommendation that pregnant women take 300mg of omega-3 acids per day during the last three months of pregnancy, and also while breast-feeding, to ensure the infant is properly nourished and to replace the mother's reserves. With a positive impact on health overall, an adequate intake of omega3 is very important during pregnancy (Freeman MP et al, 2004), to prevent a whole range of maternal and infantile complications.
The fatty-acid composition of the amniotic fluid and mother's milk is very much dependent on the mother's diet. A pregnant woman has her own reserves of omega3, but these are not always sufficient. Indeed, reserves of polyunsaturated fatty acids are constituted well before pregnancy, and so depend on the lifestyle of the future mother. A woman should therefore make sure her omega-3 intake is sufficient as soon as she decides to conceive a child, and throughout pregnancy.
The mother's omega3 is transferred to the fœtus during pregnancy, with a potential depletion for the mother (Min Y et al, 2000). Many studies have shown that pregnant women who eat a lot of fish, or who take omega-3 supplements, have fewer complications than others: this intake seems to provide protection from premature birth, pre-eclampsia (Williams MA et al, 1995), and cerebral palsy (Petridou et al, 1998).
It is also important to note that a study has demonstrated the absence of undesirable effects for the fœtus and for the progression of pregnancy and birth (Olsen SF et al, 1992) with regard to omega-3 intake during pregnancy.
DHA plays a crucial role in a successful pregnancy; it is essential for brain growth and development of the foetus.
DHA, also called cervonic acid, acts on vision (particularly the retina), neuronal functions (cognitive) and chemical messages of the brain (Holman RT et al, 1991). Omega-3 is also associated with the prevention of weight problems and high blood pressure among children of women who take most omega3. At fifteen months, the babies of these women also show a better psychomotor development than others.
· Menstruation
In a Danish study, women who received additional omega-3 acids (with oral vitamin B12) had less painful menstrual cycles (Deutch 1995; Deutch, Jorgensen et al. 2000).
· Menopause
Before the menopause, hormones (oestrogens) provide natural protection. During the menopause, this protection tends to reduce, so the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood increase, and the cardiovascular risk grows. A recent study (Nagourney et al, 2004) showed that depressive symptoms, even moderate ones, expose the post-menopausal women to an increased cardiovascular risk. Increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce this cardiovascular risk. In addition, between 10 and 40% of women suffer symptoms of depression during the menopause (Avis, Brambilla et al. 1994; Burt, Altshuler et al. 1998; Dennerstein, Dudley et al. 2000). A clinical trial in collaboration with isodisnatura is currently in progress in Canada to measure the effectiveness of OM3 in treating moderate depression in women during menopause. |
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