Fish oil supplementation in malnourished infants improves their DHA status. Researchers from the Netherlands found that fish oil is apparently well-absorbed and increased red blood cell (RBC) DHA levels by over 47%. This was achieved by giving a 500 mg supplement of fish oil daily, each containing 112 mg of DHA, for a period of 9 weeks.
The researchers noted that these increased DHA levels did not significantly affect the concentration of RBC omega-6 fatty acids, which was a concern since there is a competitive relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The study was performed on malnourished, predominantly breastfed, Pakistani children, aged 8-30 months.
Arch Dis Child 2000; 82: 366-369
Although these children were being breastfed, their mothers were malnourished, and therefore so were the children. This study illustrates the importance of proper nutrition, especially essential fatty acids, in breastfeeding women. I believe it is criminal that formula is not DHA supplemented in this country despite being supplemented in most other countries.
The benefit of omega-3 fats are probably the single most important nutrient pregnant and breast-feeding women can be taking. I am convinced that it is a lack of omega-3 fats that predispose children to developing the brain injury from vaccines that results in autism, pervasive developmental delay and ADHD.
Always remember omega-3 fats are essential to your, and your children's health. The best source for omega-3 is fish oil and cod liver oil, as, unlike other sources such as walnuts or flax seeds, it is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA and low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.
When choosing your fish oil or cod liver oil, it is important to remember that not all brands are the same. In my research and my clinical research experience with my patients, I have found that:
You can find Carlson's cod liver oil and fish oil under my "Recommended Products".
This is FAR better than flax seed oil, which most people can not properly metabolize due to the excessive amounts of grains and sugars they are metabolizing.
It is also important to recognize that the body is always right and if any belching occurs after taking the fish oil it should be stopped. Generally most natural medicine physicians should be able to help determine why the oil is not tolerated which is usually due to an allergy or absorption problem.
For more information about breastfeeding contact La Leche League International. The group also published their classic breastfeeding guide entitled The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding almost 40 years ago. The book is currently in its 6th revised addition, which can be viewed at Amazon.com by clicking the link above or below.
I would encourage all women who are able to do so to try to breastfeed, as it is the single most important thing a mother can do for her baby.
If a woman is interested in breastfeeding but still needs to go back to work for whatever reason, it would be very beneficial if she investigated the possibility of pumping or expressing her milk. If you need breastfeeding supplies, such as breast pumps, you can try Nursing Mother Supplies, which carries a wide variety of products to help you successfully breastfeed.
(Note: A small percentage of any sales generated by going through the link above will be donated back to the website, to help me to continue to supply this completely FREE service.)