By Joseph Hazan,M.D., FACOG
Linoleic acid (LA) which is an omega-6
fatty acid and Alpha-Linolenic acid
LnA) which is an omega-3 fatty acid are
both needed in the diet since neither
can be produced by the body.
That is why they are called essential fatty
acids.
On the other hand EPA , DHA and AA
can be produced by the body and
they are nonessential fatty acids.
DHA and EPA wich was covered earlier
this week are long chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs)
The input of omega-6 fatty acids are important
in inflammation, clotting,
cell communication and delivery.
Omega-3 ‘s are useful in counter- balancing
the effects of omega-6’s.
The effect of DHA and EPA is to prevent
prematurity and increase fetal birth
weight.
That is why many women who have
premature delivery have a deficiency
of omega-3’s and increased levels of the
omega-6’s, namely the omega-6
AA (arachidonic acid) and DPA
(docosapentaenoic acid).
Also women with PIH (pregnancy
induced hypertension) have low levels
of omega-3’s.
Preeclampsia risk is also higher if the levels
of omega-3’s are low.
These levels must be increased prior to pregnancy
to provide benefits.
A 15% increase of the ratio of omega-3’s
versus omega-6’s was found to cut
the risk of preeclampsia by 46%.
The supplementation needs to begin prior
to conception in order to be effective against
preeclampsia, PIH (pregnancy
induced hypertension) and IUGR
(intrauterine growth restriction).
When infants have adequate DHA
intake prior to birth, they then have lower
risk of type 1 diabetes, better endocrine,
immunity and heart function later
in life.
Also maternal dietary DHA while
breastfeeding confers improved retinal
and brain development to the infants.
Best sources of DHA are deep ocean
fish that feed on specific algae called
Schizotryum that are found in the deep
ocean.
These algea are also grown
in large containers and used to enrich foods.
Salmon and sardines are good
sources. Fish oil, flaxseed oil and walnut oil
are rich in omega-3’s.
Daily recommended values (DRVs) are
at least 300 mg of DHA and EPA
daily during pregnancy, 20mg per kg for t
erm infants and 40 mg per kg
for preterm infants.
REFERENCES
1) Williams MA, Zingheim RW, King IB,
Zebelman AM. Omega-3 fatty acids in
maternal erythrocytes and risk of
preeclampsia. Epidemiol. 1995;232-237.
2) Carlson Sr, Workman SH, and Tolley EA.
Effect of long-chain n-3 fatty
acid supplementation on visual acuity and
growth of preterm infants with
and withourt bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Amer J Clin Nutr. 1996;63:687-
607.
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