Vaginitis

My doctor has prescribed capsules containing DHA. What is DHA and what is it’s role in an expecting mother’s diet?

Docosahexanoic Acid, DHA is an Omega 3 Fatty Acid which is the building block to the brain.Nearly 60% of the brain is composed of fat,and a third of that matter is DHA.

Certain fatty acids are indispensable for human development and health and must be consumed during
pregnancy for the growth and development of the foetus.These are collectively known as Poly
Unsaturated Fatty Acids or PUFA.

While the consumption of Trans Fatty acids has been discouraged,research has confirmed the many benefits of eating fish high in PUFA.

DHA is found naturally in fatty fish like Mackerel,salmon,sardines,black cod,anchovies,tuna and
cod liver oil.

Some types of micro algae form a natural vegetarian source. Supplementation can be in the form of Omega 3 Fatty Acid capsules The recommended daily dose by The National Academy of Sciences is 660 mg for healthy adults.

The effects of DHA on the mothers and child’s health is tremendous. Research has proven that DHA is ‘Brain Food’ DHA improves maternal health,reduces high blood pressure,reduces triglycerides and improves cardiac health.

DHA is also used in the treatment of stress,post partum depression,epilepsy,angina,migraine,Type 2
diabetes,osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease COPD.DHA
improves the function of the placenta and helps in the proper development of the brain and nervous system of the growing foetus.

DHA is secreted in mothers milk and is important for the brain development of the child.DHA is essential for proper neonatal development and function.

In fact DHA is used in the treatment of ADD[Attention Deffiency Disorder] and ADHD[attention defiency and hyperactivity disorders]of children and helps to calm hyperactive kids.