A new study links low consumption of fish early in pregnancy to higher odds of preterm delivery and low birth weight-suggesting that the omega-3 fats in fish and fish oil supplements might help prevent these complications.
Together with past research suggesting fish oil may lower the risk of premature delivery, these findings lay the groundwork for clinical trials on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy.
Their study of nearly 9000 pregnant women in Denmark found that those who said they currently ate no fish were around three times more likely than those who ate the most to have a premature delivery.
Overall, women who ate some fish were less likely than those who did not to deliver prematurely, and their babies tended to weigh more. For instance, the rate of premature birth among women who ate no fish was about 7%, compared with roughly 2% for women who had fish at least once a week.
Indeed, some fish are considered risky during pregnancy.
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women to avoid eating
because they may contain high levels of mercury, which can potentially harm the developing fetal nervous system.
According to the researchers, their results suggest that for women who eat little or no fish, small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids -- through either fish or fish oil supplements -- might help reduce the odds of premature delivery or low birth weight.
British Medical Journal February 23, 2002;324:447-450
While I am a firm believer in omega three supplementation for everyone, especially pregnant women and newborns, I am very cautious about advising anyone to consume fish.
I have previously echoed the warnings from the National Academy of Sciences that pregnant women should avoid fish. They list some of the major ones, but in my experience, most fish are quite contaminated with mercury and best avoided.
However, after searching for a SAFE source of fish you can eat without having to worrying about mercury levels and added toxins, I finally discovered one: The Vital Choice Alaskan Wild Red Salmon.
Not only is this salmon mercury-free, but it is also loaded with omega-3 EPA and DHA, is high in antioxidants to help you live longer and tastes absolutely delicious!
Another healthy source for obtaining omega-3 is beef -- that was fed exclusively on grass. If you can find a local producer it would be wise to seek this food source.
If you don't have access to grass-fed beef locally you can access our web site for that product. New inventory is now available.
You can also take krill oil to obtain the beneficial omega-3 fats. In addition to the DHA and EPA, you will also receive protective antioxidants and phospholipids.
It's also important that you're getting adequate vitamin D. A study from Finland, published November 3, 2001 in Lancet indicates that the development of type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes is likely related to your mom's intake of vitamin D during her pregnancy.
Ideally you should get your vitamin D from sunshine but if this is not an option a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement can be used. If you elect to optimize your vitamin D level, especially pregnant women, it will be very important to monitor the level with a blood test.
If you have not yet read the comprehensive article I wrote on vitamin D please be sure to do so.
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