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Omega 3 Fats and ADHD (Eat THIS During Pregnancy)

Omega-3 DHA is vital for baby's healthy brain development

Omega 3 Fats and ADHD (Eat THIS During Pregnancy)

What if you could boost your child’s intelligence and increase the likelihood of good behavior? You can, and it starts in the womb.

The principle fatty acid in the brain is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -an omega-3 fatty acid. While it is important to optimize levels of omega-3’s in the brain throughout life for both mental and physical health, new research suggests it may be of critical importance even before birth.

Omega 3 Fats and ADHD:

During pregnancy, omega-3 fats accumulate in the fetus’s brain as it grows and matures. Studies show that a lack of this essential omega-3 fatty acid during pregnancy causes:

  1. Defects in the way neurons connect to structure the brain
  2. Deficits in the transmission of in serotonin and dopamine
  3. Higher levels of anxiety, aggression and depression

In human studies, pre-term babies have less DHA in their cortex – the area of the brain responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action – than babies born full-term. Pre-term delivery is also associated with slower cognitive development and more attention – related difficulties including ADHD. However, when these pre-term infants are given DHA, their cognitive ability increases.

Getting Enough Omega 3 Fats During Pregnancy

Get enough DHA in your diet by eating CLEAN wild fish, like wild salmon, sardines or mackerel or by taking a contaminant free supplement containing DHA and EPA like Carlson’s.

If choosing canned wild fish, ensure it is packed in BPA-free cans. BPA is an endocrine disruptor with “gender-bending” activity.

Omega 3 Fats and ADHD (Eat THIS During Pregnancy) – Healing Gourmet pin Save
References (2)
  1. McNamara RK, Carlson SE.Role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain development and function: potentialimplications for the pathogenesis and prevention of psychopathology. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006 Oct-Nov;75(4-5):329-49. (PubMed)
  2. Reprod Nutr Dev. 2005 Jan-Feb;45(1):1-28. Young G, Conquer J. Omega-3 fatty acids and neuropsychiatric disorders. Reprod Nutr Dev. 2005 Jan-Feb;45(1):1-28. (PubMed)

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Kelley Herring

About the author

Kelley Herring

Kelley Herring, founder of Healing Gourmet, is a natural nutrition enthusiast with a background in biochemistry. Her passion is educating on how foods promote health and protect against disease and creating simple and delicious recipes for vibrant health and enjoyment.

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