Do You Really Need Fish Oil For a Baby?

By Laurel Cohen

Fish oil for baby is unnecessary, as long as the mother is breast-feeding and has sufficient omega-3's in her diet. So, mom may need a supplement, but not her infant.

Doctor recommendations vary, of course, but some practices recommend 500mg of DHA per day for pregnant and lactating women. DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is a specific omega-3 found only in some species of fatty fish and a few types of marine algae.

DHA is needed in order for baby's brain and eyes to develop normally. Research has shown that visual acuity and cognitive performance develops more quickly when mom gets enough during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.

Research suggests that infants need at least 200mg of DHA per day. That is the amount included in fortified infant formulas. Some baby foods are now fortified with DHA, too.

Some researchers suggest early introduction of fish into the baby's diet, as early as 9 months of age, to reduce the risk of eczema and food allergies. But, feeding fish may be a double-edged sword, with nutritional benefits on the one side and the risk of mercury consumption on the other.

So, a doctor might recommend liquid fish oil for baby as breast-feeding ends or as the infant is transitioning to solid foods. Responsible supplement manufacturers test each batch of oils for mercury and other contaminants.

It may take a little shopping for Mom to find a supplement that provides the recommended 500mg of DHA. A 1000mg capsule may provide only 70mg of the nutrient.
A recent comparison of the different brands on the market showed that 280mg per 1000mg capsule is the best that you will find. Taking two capsules would provide the recommended 500mg and a little more.

Not only should Mom take fish oil for baby. She should take it for her own health, as well. Her emotional and physical health will likely improve as a result. But, it is important to reduce the intake of omega-6's, too.

Some of the health benefits of omega-3's are due to the imbalance present in the typical Western diet. People in the US, Canada and some parts of Europe get too many omega-6's and not enough omega-3's from the foods that they eat. Ideally, there should be a balance.

The imbalance causes increased inflammation throughout the body, which contributes to heart disease, cancer and general cellular aging. So, if you are a mom or about to become one, you can start taking fish oil for baby, but continuing with supplementation will be good for your health, too, especially in the long-term.

More and more research emphasizes the danger of chronic inflammation. Some research groups have referred to low omega-3 intake as a "preventable cause of death". So, obviously, it's important.

There is reason to believe that increased DHA intake will reduce the risk of allergies and asthma during childhood, along with the many other benefits. So, if your doctor suggests fish oil for baby or for you, now you know why.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.
Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com/ to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurel_Cohen

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