How a child develops depends on many factors and begins in the womb. Of course, this also includes nutrition during pregnancy, because the unborn child receives omega-3 fatty acids directly from the mother via the umbilical cord. Around 50 mg to 60 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) passes the placenta to the baby daily. The expectant mother should consume 200 mg of DHA daily, in addition to the recommended daily amount of omega-3 fatty acids for adults.
What does the unborn baby need omega-3 fatty acids for?
The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is found in significant amounts in our brain and retina. Even in the womb, DHA is used as a building block in the child's retina. The brain develops more rapidly in the womb than in any other phase of life. This is why DHA is also known as brain fatty acid, because the highest levels of DHA are found in the metabolically active areas of the brain such as the cerebral cortex, the mitochondria and the synapses.
And what effect do omega-3 fatty acids have on newborns?
Especially in the last trimester of pregnancy and in the first months of life, omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on child development. During these stages of development, a lot of DHA is stored in the brain, nerve tissue and eyes.
Ideally, we should all eat two to three meals containing fish per week. It is important to eat cold-water oily fish such as salmon or mackerel. These fish have a particularly high proportion of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.
With a non-animal diet, the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. is a true alternative from the sea. Until now, it has been rather difficult to obtain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, because most plant-based sources contain no DHA and certainly no EPA. In addition, due to a very low conversion rate, it is difficult to meet the daily requirement for omega-3 fatty acids with vegetable oils alone.