Prenatal DHA

DHA plays a crucial role in fetal development, particularly in building up essential tissues such as the brain, eyes, liver, adipose (fat), and skeletal muscle. Once the baby is born, DHA continues to be vital for maintaining healthy vision, cognitive function, and a robust immune system. Studies have shown that mothers with higher DHA levels during pregnancy tend to have longer pregnancies and a reduced risk of preterm births before 34 weeks. Additionally, babies born to these mothers typically have higher birthweights and show earlier advancements in visual and cognitive development. Recent research also suggests that the advantages of DHA supplementation during pregnancy extend beyond the development of the brain and eyes. Emerging evidence points to the potential influence of DHA on a child's future body composition and their susceptibility to allergies, addressing significant health concerns prevalent among today's youth.

Ideally, you should begin taking prenatal DHA supplements before conception, as it's a good practice for women of reproductive age to include them in their regular routine. The baby's neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, develops in the first month of pregnancy, often before one even realizes they are pregnant. However, if you haven't started taking a DHA supplement yet, there's no need to worry. Research indicates that mothers who increase their DHA intake in the last few weeks of pregnancy can still significantly boost the DHA levels in their newborns. This means it's never too late to enhance your DHA intake for the benefit of both you and your baby.

Incorporating DHA into your diet is crucial for fetal development and infant health. A mother's dietary choices profoundly impact the DHA levels her baby can accumulate and have at birth. Pregnant women who consume fish or take fish or algae oil supplements tend to give birth to infants with significantly higher DHA levels compared to those whose mothers don't incorporate preformed DHA sources into their diet. These elevated DHA levels at birth are sustained in the infant during the early months of life, a departure from the typical decline in DHA status seen in infants. Taking DHA supplements or regularly including fatty fish in your diet during pregnancy are effective ways to increase DHA levels in both the newborn and breastmilk. Many people opt for DHA supplements due to concerns about mercury buildup in the body associated with consuming certain types of fish.

Rest assured, at Mother's Promise, every batch of our DHA undergoes rigorous laboratory testing to ensure its purity and safety. We specifically test for heavy metals, including mercury, and are pleased to inform you that none of our products contain any traces of these contaminants. Your peace of mind and the well-being of both mothers and babies are our top priorities.

In general, doctors recommend a daily intake of at least 200-300 milligrams of DHA before, during, and after pregnancy to support maternal and fetal health. Most prenatal vitamins typically contain this recommended amount. However, recent research suggests that higher doses of 500-600 milligrams of DHA may promote a healthy pregnancy term and optimal baby weight at birth. Our DHA Omega-3 supplement is designed to provide the 600 milligrams of DHA you may need. You may consider taking one small 300mg softgel of Mother's Promise Prenatal DHA as a convenient way to meet your DHA requirements, or you can opt for the complete serving of 600mg by taking 2 softgels. While it's generally considered safe, doctors rarely advise exceeding a daily intake of 1,000 milligrams of DHA, as there is little evidence that higher doses will provide any extra benefits for you or your baby.