Benefits of Fish Oils and Breast Milk

Can fish oils and breast milk really help your baby?

Research shows there are many benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Here you'll read some great studies on the health benefits of fish oil supplements and breast milk.

How would you like to give your baby the following gifts:

• A stronger immune system

• Sharper vision

• A better developed body

• And most importantly, better brain development?

Research is now showing fish oils really benefit your baby when you breastfeed.

Not only do you supply your baby with vital nutrients for growth but you're also creating that special bond of motherhood your baby needs.

For more detailed info on the benefits of breastfeeding, visit "Why You Should Choose Breastfeeding."

To think that something as simple as fish oils may give your baby some unique health benefits is quite amazing. So without further ado, here's the results of those medical studies.

Giving Your Baby Omega 3 Fatty Acids Improves Brain Function and Vision

Hungary - Researchers gathered a group of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers together, noted the amount and kind of omega 3 fatty acids in their diet, and made note of any differences in their babies.

They looked at 2 omega 3 fatty acids in this study:

1. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) - a beneficial omega 3 fatty acid found in flax seed, grains, green leafy vegetables and walnuts.
2. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - an important fatty acid found in fatty fish and fish oils. DHA is said to be very important for your baby's brain development.

Researchers discovered mothers showing the highest levels of DHA in their diet passed this healthy fat in their breast milk to their babies. They found a direct link between the amount of DHA in the mother's diet and the amount of DHA in their baby.

They also found babies fed breast milk from mothers on a DHA-enhanced diet:

• Performed better on specialized eye tests.
• Achieved higher scores on brain function tests than babies not given DHA breast milk.

How to Boost Your Baby's Immune System with Fish Oils and Breast Milk

Did you know taking fish oils during pregnancy may turn your baby into a 'Super Baby'?

Current studies now point to the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on an improved immune system in babies. A nursing mother's diet can have profound effects on her newborn infant's developing immune system.

Perth, Australia - Doctors at the School of Pediatrics conducted a study on fish oils and breast milk immune factors.

Studies show breast milk contains many important immune factors. These specialized ingredients have a positive effect on your baby's immune system. This is one of the reasons why doctors recommend breast feeding over formula.

In this study, the Aussie Docs studied a group of 83 nursing mothers.

Participants took either 4 grams/day of fish oil capsules or 4 grams/day of olive oil capsules from 20 weeks gestation until delivery.

Doctors then collected breast milk for three days and analysed the amount of omega 3 fatty acids and immune factors.

Breast milk from women taking fish oils showed:

• Increased levels of the omega 3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
• Lower levels of arachidonic acid (a fatty acid that can promote inflammation).
• Higher levels of the Immune Factor Immunoglobulin A (IgA). People with IgA deficiency tend to have allergies or get more colds and other respiratory infections.

The group taking olive oil showed no improvement.

Comments:

Who can argue with results like these? It appears that bumping up your intake of fish oils will increase the omega 3 fatty acids in your breast milk. This increase in omega 3 fats is transferred to your baby when breastfeeding, leading to a boost in your baby's immune system.

Study Proves Fish Oils Increase Healthy Fats in Breast Milk

How long should you take fish oils for the best health benefits for your baby?

It is best to take them during your pregnancy and stop? Or should you take them continuously during your child's breast-feeding phase?

The results from this study will show you how to improve the benefits received from taking fish oils during breastfeeding.

Denmark, Sweden - Researchers in Denmark took 44 healthy pregnant women and randomly divided them into 2 groups:

1. Group #1 - Began taking fish oil supplements from Week 30 of gestation.
2. Group #2 - Used olive oil or no oil at all.

One half of the fish oil group would stop taking fish oils upon delivery and the other half would continue taking them from for at least another 30 days post-partum.

Researchers found an increase of over 300% more omega 3 fats in breast milk if you continue taking them at least 30 days post-delivery.

Conclusions:

Fish oils and breast milk is a good thing for your newborn baby's health. Not only are you giving yourself a healthy dose of omega 3 fatty acids, you're also passing these healthy fats to your baby.

You can get omega 3 fatty acids from eating more fatty fish. If you're worried about mercury and PCB's from eating fish, try using pharmaceutical-grade fish oils rated by the International Fish Oils Standards. These highly-purified oils are tested to be free of toxins, mercury, and PCB's.

To summarize, here's what fish oils and breast milk can do for your baby:

• A stronger immune system
• Sharper vision
• Better body development
• And last, but certainly not least, better brain development.

The use of fish oils supplements during pregnancy is something to consider if you want the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids for your baby.

Imagine the health-boosting effects you'll be passing on to your baby with fish oils and breast milk. And isn't this something every mother wants for their child?

Research References: