From pregnancy to post birth, omegas play a critical role in contributing to healthier deliveries and higher cognitive performance in infants, toddlers, and children.

1. The Role of Omegas in
Pregnancy, Post Birth and
Children Development
[http://www.nourishinghub.com.au]
By: Simone Denny

2. This week's blog is a guest article from Nordic Naturals written by Warren Maginn B.H.S.c. (Nutr. Med.),
Grad.Cert. (Hum. Nutr.) Warren is a Clinical Nutritionist who specialises in the treatment of chronic
immune disorders, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances through the principles of
Functional & Integrative Medicine.
When it comes to giving your children the essential nutrients for optimal health and development,
consideration needs to start during pregnancy. From pregnancy to post birth, omegas play a critical role
in contributing to healthier deliveries and higher cognitive performance in infants, toddlers, and
children.
Prenatal and Post Birth
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are omega-3 essential fatty acids found in
fish and fish oil that is essential for healthy fetal, infant and child development[2].The omega-3 DHA is
an essential nutrient for mothers and babies, both during pregnancy and for many months following
birth. DHA is needed for the rapidly developing brain and eyes in prenatal and newborn
children.Scientific research shows that maternal DHA supplementation resulted in improved eye-hand
coordination and improved attention skills at 5 years[3].Studies also show that mothers who take fish oil
may have healthier deliveries and a healthier mood during and post pregnancy[4].

3. In Children
There is strong scientific evidence that EPA and DHA help to contribute to overall cognitive health.
Research consistently shows that fish oil is associated with higher cognitive performance in infants,
toddlers, and children, as observed by improvements in intelligence scores[5].*Clinical trials suggest that
EPA and DHA are also beneficial for normal mood and behaviour, and may promote learning in the
school setting. There is also increasing scientific evidence that deficiencies may contribute to
neurodevelopmental disorders, which is why it is important to ensure that children have enough
essential fatty acids in their daily diet[6].

4. Are You Getting Enough?
The typical diet may be deficient in omegas and it is suggested for expectant mothers and children to
consider supplementation. International recommendations suggest that pregnant and nursing women
consume 300-600mg of DHA every day to ensure that moms remain healthy during and after pregnancy
and that their babies have every opportunity for health development[7]. Experts recommend that from
birth to age five, children should get at least 150mg of DHA, per day, to support their rapid brain and
nervous system development[8].
What to Look For:
When choosing an omega-3 fish oil:

Ensure it is third-party tested to surpass international standards for purity and freshness, and

Opt for one that comes in the triglyceride molecular form for optimal absorption.[9]*

Look for a fish oil that has great taste and is easy to take

Consider the brand’s environmental sustainability with regards to ethical fishing practices

Look for environmental sustainability with regards to ethical fishing practices
Where to buy
The Nourishing Hub stocks a range of Nordic Natural Oils for babies and little ones – click here for

5. pregnancy – click here and for general wellbeing – click here
The Nourishing Hub also stocks vegetarian sources of DHA - click here
About Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals, the leading manufacturer of omega-3 supplements, is a research-driven company that
has been setting standards for purity, freshness, taste, and sustainability since 1995. With a reputation
for efficacy and potency, Nordic Naturals fish oils are regularly chosen without solicitation by research
institutions and universities, including Stanford, Duke, UCLA, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, for their
independent research.
To date, 27 studies using Nordic Naturals products have been published, including 15 clinical trials, and
more than 30 are in progress. These studies add to the large and growing body of scientific evidence
showing benefits of marine omega-3 essential fatty acids for a variety of health concerns.
Distributing to over 30 countries on 6 continents, Nordic Naturals is the #1 selling fish oil in the United
States, offering over 150 products in a variety of flavours, concentrations, and delivery forms. Through
science and innovation, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective
omega oils.
Nourishing Hub
Missed the Nourishing Hub November Newsletter - Click Here
Last Blog - 5 Natural Sources of Vitamin C - Click Here
Always read the label. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.
Have a lovely weekend!
Simone @ the Nourishing Hub