Unived VeganMomy Women’s DHA

• Supplements of DHA may improve memory and reaction times for healthy young people, says a new study that could ‘translate into far-reaching benefits’ .[26]
• Adequate DHA supplementation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death. It also combats the growth of atherosclerotic plaque by reducing inflammation, improves serum lipids and increases arterial elasticity thereby lowering pulse pressure.
• It can significantly decrease heart rate and blood pressure. DHA also reduces the clotting ability of platelets, lowering the risk of heart attack and strokes.[23]

DHA accounts for upto 97% of Omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and upto 93% of the Omega-3 fatty acids in the retina.

Over 70% of a child’s brain develops in the mother’s womb. During pregnancy, infants get their DHA from their mothers’ dietary intake. DHA supplementation supports optimal brain, eye, and nervous system development in the infant. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to consume DHA, especially in the third trimester when there is significant brain development.

• Omega-3 fatty acids are structural components of cell membranes – DHA specifically accumulates in the cell membranes of the retina, brain, and nervous system. Adequate levels of DHA throughout life are important for vision and learning.[16]
• Most brain growth occurs during fetal life. When a baby is born, the body weight is only 5% of an adult but the brain size is 70% of the adult brain.[17] The central nervous system undergoes rapid growth in the first 12 months of life, and DHA content in the forebrain increases five-fold during this time.[18]
• The developing baby’s only source of DHA for beginning to build brain tissue is its mother’s dietary intake. Early in life, DHA is supplied via the placenta and from breast milk. During the last trimester of pregnancy and first two years of childhood, DHA is especially important for vision and brain development.[19]
• Studies have shown improved intelligence scores of breast fed children whose mothers took DHA supplements during pregnancy and nursing.
• DHA supplementation also reduces the risk of preterm birth – a factor known to be associated with compromised cognitive development in the infant and maternal depression.[20]

Studies have proven that children who were born with pre DHA supplementation via the mother, and have been brought up with DHA supplementation – have a higher IQ and are healthier.

• Most of the brain growth is completed by 5-6 years of age.[21] The human brain increases approximately 3.5 times in this period. During this time, DHA supplementation is vital in ensuring the normal development of the brain and eyes.
• DHA has a h4 effect on aiding underachieving children.[22]
• Children deprived of Omega-3s may have less ability to pay attention and control impulsive behavior and may be at a higher risk of depression.[23]
• Adequate levels of DHA are required for proper brain and eye development and function. DHA is important for signal transmission in the brain, eye and nervous system.[24]
• There were three randomised controlled trials carried out in 2009 on 229 infants. The studies concluded that 9 month old babies who were given supplemental DHA scored higher on a problem solving test as compared to babies not given DHA, suggesting that DHA may be essential for optimal cognitive development.[25]