DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain health. DHA benefits the development, maintenance, and optimization of the brain. Consuming DHA omega-3 during pregnancy supports you and the baby in several ways. This blog will talk about all the DHA benefits, its sources, and the best DHA for pregnancy. Stick with us till the end.
Benefits of Consuming DHA
Supports Foetal Development
Doctors advise expectant mothers to consume supplements enriched with DHA as it helps support the brain development of the foetus. The foetus receives DHA from the mother’s body and diet during pregnancy. The required daily amount (RDA) of DHA during pregnancy is 200-300 mg as it helps enhance cognitive, visual, and motor development in babies.
Reduced Risk of ADHD
DHA omega-3 is proven to be crucial for brain health during childhood as it helps in rapid cognitive and social development. DHA helps enhance learning abilities, attention span, and memory. Additionally, as per research, adequate DHA benefits in reducing the risk of ADHD in children and improves behavioral outcomes.
Reduced Risk of Preterm Birth
As per recent studies, consuming an adequate amount of DHA during pregnancy alleviates the risk of preterm birth.
Supports Brain Health
Studies have proved that DHA benefits in treating cognitive disorders, supporting cell structure, communication between neurons, and neuroplasticity. It also boosts memory, cognitive functioning, and learning.
Boosts Memory and Leaning in Adults
DHA is crucial to maintain the structural integrity of the brain cells. Continuous consumption of DHA benefits to improve cognitive function and memory retention.
Fights Inflammation
Increasing the intake of DHA omega-3 helps reduce inflammation. It also helps balance the excess of inflammatory omega-6 fats.
Reduced Risk of Depression
Consuming adequate DHA omega-3 helps reduce the risk of depression. The omega-3 fats support serotonin – a nerve messenger that balances the mood.
Reduced Heart Diseases Risk
DHA is proven to support heart health and helps boost the omega-3 index in the body while reducing triglycerides.
Lowers BP and Supports Circulation
DHA supports good blood flow and boosts endothelial function in the body. It also helps lower BP leading to reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.
Minimises Risk of Certain Cancers
Persistent inflammation can cause cancer. However, consuming a higher amount of DHA omega-3 lowers the risk of developing breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
Supports Quick Brain Recovery After Injuries
Brain injuries like stroke or concussions lead to cognitive and functional disorders. DHA omega-3 helps the recovery process by reducing inflammation, damage replacement, and promoting neurogenesis.
Boosts Visual Processing
DHA plays a crucial role in the visual processing of the retina. It helps maintain clear communication between the brain and the eyes and optimizes the tasks, such as reading and spatial awareness.
Natural Sources of DHA Omega-3
Mentioned below are the natural sources of DHA:
- Fatty fish: Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, Tuna, Anchovies
- Shellfish: Mussels, Oysters, Shrimp
- Fish Eggs: Salmon, Other fish eggs
- Cod liver oil
- Algae oil
- Fortified Foods: Milk and dairy products, Eggs, Yogurts, Orange juice, Infant formulas
- Grass-Fed Animal Products: Dairy products, Meats
Why Trimacare™ is the Best DHA for Pregnancy?
Trimacare™ is renowned as the best DHA for pregnancy because it offers a perfect blend of 20+ essential nutrients. A team of highly skilled and experienced medical experts specially made it for Indian expectant mothers to fulfill the RDA of nutrients that the staple Indian diet lacks. It is formulated using deep-sea algae – 100% vegetarian – ensuring safety and purity. Furthermore, the prenatal supplement is enriched with vital vitamins and minerals, including DHA omega-3, iron, calcium, folate, zinc, etc. This scientifically balanced formulation follows the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and the Indian Council of Medical Research, making it the best DHA for pregnancy in the Indian market.
FAQs
What is DHA and why it’s important?
DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain health. It helps support the baby’s neurological development while maintaining the mental health of the mother.
What are the benefits of DHA?
It helps support foetal development and reduces the risk of certain cancers, heart diseases, ADHD, preterm birth, depression, heart attack, and stroke.
What are the natural sources of DHA omega-3?
- Fatty fish: Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, Tuna, Anchovies
- Shellfish: Mussels, Oysters, Shrimp
- Fish Eggs: Salmon, Other fish eggs
- Cod liver oil
- Algae oil
- Fortified Foods: Milk and dairy products, Eggs, Yogurts, Orange juice, Infant formulas
- Grass-Fed Animal Products: Dairy products, Meats
How much DHA should be consumed daily?
The required daily amount (RDA) of DHA is 200-300 mg.
