Omega 3 and 6: Fatty acids in pregnancy

What are LCPs?

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) are the building blocks of the fats (technically called lipids) that help the body function normally1. They are important for both your own health and your baby’s development throughout pregnancy.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 are two families of LCPs that have been named essential fatty acids because the body is unable to make them, and they can only be obtained from the diet.

As types of polyunsaturated fats, Omega 3 and 6 have different properties and different benefits for your baby. Unfortunately, many people aren’t getting enough Omega 3 in their diet. Making an effort to include good sources of Omega 3 in your pregnancy diet will help to give your baby the best start for a healthy future.

Omega 3: Supporting your baby’s heart, brain and vision

You may already know that Omega 3 can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It also plays an important role in your baby’s rapidly developing brain, as well as their nervous system, and eyes.

Omega 3 is recognised as an important nutrient for your baby’s normal cognitive development, to set the foundations for the way your baby learns, understands and thinks throughout life.

Research has shown that the potential long-term benefits to your baby of Omega 3 during pregnancy include:

• A healthy birth weight
• Reduced risk of preterm delivery
• Reduced risk of your baby developing eczema later in life
• Healthier, stronger bones
• A positive effect on overall development, including verbal, motor and social skills

Research shows that Omega 3 is especially important during late pregnancy and the first few months after birth. As well as supporting your baby’s health and development, studies also suggest it may help to reduce your risk of antenatal and postnatal depression. This is possibly due to healthier cell membranes allowing serotonin to flow better between cells, but this area is still being explored and the reasons are not yet fully understood.

Omega 6: Getting a healthy balance

Omega 6 has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on heart health due to its ability to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. An adequate intake during pregnancy helps to build up your baby’s stores, ready for life after birth.

In a healthy ratio, the two LCPs have been linked to reducing childhood asthma. However, recent research shows that although, beneficial, high levels of Omega 6 can affect the body’s ability to use Omega 3. Vegetable oils and animal products are a key source of Omega 6, and because they are used in so many foods, we commonly consume more than we realise.

Because of this, the benefits of Omega 6 have been thrown into question, with nutritionists continuing to study and debate the right quantity needed of this nutrient.

LCPs and your pregnancy diet

With vegetable oils being a good source of Omega 6, most people are getting plenty of this fatty acid without any effort.

Most people, however, including mums-to-be, aren’t getting enough Omega 3.

Oily fish are the richest source of Omega 3. During pregnancy it’s recommended that you eat 2 portions per week for a healthy intake. But because these fish can contain potentially high levels of mercury, they are one of the foods to limit during pregnancy, so be careful not to eat more than this.

Vegetarian sources include walnuts, Omega 3-enriched eggs, and flax seeds.

Fish sources of Omega 3 and their content: