Omega 3 and 6: Fatty acids in pregnancy
Omega 3 and 6: Fatty acids in pregnancy
LCP lowdown
Learn all about LCPs
Your baby’s brain forms and develops at an astounding rate throughout pregnancy. Omega 3 and 6 are two families of fatty acids that play an important role in this development, as well as contributing to the health of their heart. Learn about the benefits of these two fats, why they are often in the news and how to get the healthy balance you need.
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Omega 3 helps to support: Normal cognitive development |
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Omega 3 helps to support: Normal visual development |
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Omega 3 helps to support: Nervous system development |
What are LCPs?
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.
Which fish contains more LCPs per 100g?
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
Vegetarian sources include walnuts, Omega 3-enriched eggs, and flax seeds.
Fish sources of Omega 3 and their content:
Food (100g) | Nutrient quantity (100g) |
---|---|
Mackerel (grilled) | 4.83 |
Kippers (grilled) | 3.35 |
Sardines | 2.98 |
Sea bass | 1.23 |
Tuna | 1.32 |
Salmon | 2.18 |
NEXT STEPS
Try these Omega-3 rich meal and snack ideas:
- Salmon
saladnicoise - Sardines on toast
- Grilled mackerel
- A handful of walnuts
- Omega 3-enriched egg mayonnaise on wholemeal bread
Free recipes
Delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes from our team of nutritionists
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