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Adults can obtain DHA and EPA indirectly through the conversion of the essential fatty acid alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), present in vegetable oils such as linseed but this process is very inefficient. Fish oils provide a much more reliable, direct source of DHA, EPA and AA. The foetus and infant in early life need to receive these fatty acids directly as they only have a limited capability to convert essential fatty acids to more active long chain fatty acids such as DHA.
 Brain and eye development
DHA is the predominant fatty acid in the central nervous system, found in the
structural walls of brain cells. Amazingly, the foetal brain is made up of 60%
fats of which 40% is DHA. There is a large increase in DHA uptake by the foetus
and a corresponding increase in cerebral DHA content during the last trimester
of pregnancy and the first post natal months.1,2 At birth the baby's brain weight is about 70% of an adult's brain weight; 15% of brain growth occurs during infancy and the pre-school years (see Fig 1).
DHA is important throughout this period ofdevelopment.3 DHA is found in even greater concentrations in the retina, where it contributes uto60% of the fatty acid content. Research has shown that when the growing baby receives DHA from the 3rd trimester onwards and during breastfeeding, circulating levels of DHA are higher, which can help to maintain healthy eye development and visual acuity (clarity of vision). 4 
The other Omega-3 fatty acid provided by Pregnacare® Plus is EPA, which is required for optimal brain function and cell signaling (the process of communication between nerve cells) and becomes increasingly significant for children after birth in respect to areas such as learning ability and concentration. Pregnacare® Plus also provides the Omega-6 fatty acid AA which plays both structural and functional roles in the brain.
Birth weight and oxygen delivery
A number of factors help to maintain a healthy infant birth weight including
the mother's nutritional status, and Omega-3 fatty acid intake.5 DHA
and EPA are known to help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and can
therefore contribute to the maintenance of a healthy placental blood supply to
the growing foetus, providing the oxygen and nutrients required.6
Breast-feeding and Fatty Acids
Milk production during breast-feeding places a large physical demand on
a mother's body. Additional protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals must be
supplied from your reserves and the food you eat.
The quality of a mother's breast milk is, to a large extent, dependent on her nutritional intake. A high intake of DHA leads to DHA rich milk7,
which is essential for the infant's neuronal development. When babies are fed
on DHA rich breast milk it can help support their cognitive development,
hand-eye co-ordination, psychomotor development and visual acuity.8
Maintaining Maternal Health
During pregnancy, the growing foetus and placenta can increase certain maternal
nutritional requirements. As it can be difficult to maintain this requirement
through diet alone, supplementation with Pregnacare is often recommended by
midwives and health professionals to safeguard a mother's diet and replenish
natural bodily stores.
What the mother consumes has the potential to be passed on to the developing
child, therefore only the purest pharmaceutical grade fish oil produced in
Norway, has been used in Pregnacare® Plus capsules. To ensure maximum benefit the oil is carefully concentrated to
increase its DHA and EPA content and further purified. Each batch is
rigorously tested, certified, and fully compliant with stringent EC and WHO
rules on environmental pollutants.
Natural lemon oil is included in the shell of Pregnacare® Plus capsules as an odour-mask for women who find it difficult to take fish oil
supplements.
References:
1 Crawford M. Am J Clin Nutr 1993;57(Suppl):703S-9S
2 Singh M. Nutrition, brain and environment. Indian Pediatr 2003; 40 : 213-220
3 Singh M. Indian J Pediatr 2005; (3): 239-242
4 Carlson SE et al. Pediatr Res. 1996 May;39(5):882-8
5 Olsen SF, Secher NJ. BMJ 2002; 321:1-5
6 Swann PG et al. FEBS LETT 1989 Jan 30;243(2):244-6.
7 Fidler N et al. Nutr Metab 2000;44:187-193
8 Jensen CL et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1):125-32.
Product Availability
Pregnacare®
Plus is available in the UK from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Morrisons, supermarkets and pharmacies, health stores including Holland and Barrett.
Click here to find an independent stockist near you! Alternatively you can
order online here
Always read the product directions before use. Do not exceed the recommended intake. As with other food supplements seek professional advice before using if you suffer from food allergies, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if your have an underlying medical
condition, or if on medication. Vitamin supplements are not intended to treat or prevent any disease. Food supplements must not replace a balanced and varied diet, and a healthy lifestyle.
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