Pregnancy can turn a woman’s mind to seriously consider her health, sometimes for the first time. She suddenly must think about her baby’s development and how her lifestyle choices will influence it. After all, growing a child from scratch requires rather large amounts of energy and nutrients.
Yinka Thomas, nutritionist and author of childhood nutrition books says it is widely recognised that women need extra nutritional support during preconception, pregnancy and breast feeding due to the extra demands on her body. Most women’s food intake increases by 15-20% but the amount of nutrients needed increases by 30-100% for some nutrients so women need to focus on the quality rather than the quantity of food.
A healthy, balanced diet is especially important during pregnancy. The important role of Omega 3 fatty acids, especially that of DHA (Docosahexanoic acid) in pregnancy are well documented. DHA is ultimately derived from Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) found in foods such as walnuts and flaxseed. Direct intake from oily fish is not essential – and in some cases, not desirable, in light of some fish products being removed from retailers due to toxin scares in the past.
In addition, many brands of fish/krill oil capsules, are overprocessed, with the nutritional integrity of the delicate omega fatty acids being destroyed in during manufacturing, inappropriate packaging and unrefrigerated transport/storage. See our article on latest study to expose this.
During pregnancy, the placenta contains receptors that ensure that omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs are transported from the mother to the baby. The child draws Essential Fatty Acids from the mother’s body to build its brain, which is over 60% fat and very rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 EFA derivatives. For expectant mothers, including EFAs in their diet is essential for their baby’s normal brain, eye and vision development, especially during the last trimester. For nervous system development, a growing foetus needs optimum EFAs from the mother’s body. Dietary intakes of EFAs are often low and frequently insufficient to meet the high needs of a developing foetus.
We recommend Udo’s DHA Oil Blend
Udos DHA Oil Blend is an excellent organic and vegetarian choice for pregnant women. It is made from plant sources – including the DHA, which is sourced from farmed algae – the same algae that fish eat! Significant amounts of maternal DHA are transferred to the foetus in order to support their development.
Shake gently before use; any cloudiness is natural.
Keep refrigerated at all times to ensure freshness.
1-3 tablespoons daily, with meals will give you optimum benefit. Start with one tbsp per day and gradually increase to one tbsp for every 25kg of body weight per day. Udo’s Oil can be added to cold or warmed foods. Do not overheat or use oil for frying, as this damages the fragile fatty acids.
Check with your GP if taking medication.
For optimal freshness, keep refrigerated. Once opened, use within 4-6 weeks and keep refrigerated between uses. Do not heat or use for frying. Once opened, consume within eight (8) weeks. Can be frozen to prolong shelf life. (Record freezing date on bottle. Oil shrinks when frozen; the glass bottle will not break).
Available in 250 ml and 500 ml bottles.