New Materials for Moms Now Available Online and in Print
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., APRIL 1, 2009 -- Pregnant women and nursing mothers can learn more about the important role of DHA omega-3 fatty acids in their own health and that of their babies in new educational materials from the March of Dimes.
“Omega-3 fatty acids are important for everyone’s health, but especially important for pregnant and nursing women,” says Alan R. Fleischman, M.D., senior vice president and medical director for the March of Dimes.
The March of Dimes suggests that pregnant women consume at least 200 milligrams of DHA, one of the three major omega-3 fatty acids, every day to help support fetal brain and eye development. After the baby is born, DHA omega-3 fatty acids consumed through breastfeeding may also help support mental, visual, and motor skill development, Dr. Fleischman says.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in certain types of fish, nuts, and vegetable oils. However, DHA is present naturally in specific fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and tuna, as well as algal oil, organ meats and breast milk. Pregnant or nursing women or those planning a pregnancy should eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury content fish per week and avoid high-mercury content fish, Dr. Fleischman advises. Click Here for Guidelines on safe fish consumption on the March of Dimes Web site.
For women who are vegetarians, or who have safety concerns about fish, foods fortified with DHA or a multivitamin or supplement containing at least 200 milligrams of DHA are good choices.
More information on the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for moms and babies can be found here.
The new March of Dimes awareness effort is supported by a three-year agreement with Martek Biosciences Corporation.
“We’re pleased to support the March of Dimes in their efforts to raise awareness of DHA omega-3 fatty acids as part of a program to support healthy pregnancies and healthy babies,” said Steve Dubin, Martek CEO.
About Martek
Martek Biosciences Corporation is a leader in the development of nutritional products that promote health and wellness through every stage of life. Martek produces a sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA omega-3 that can be found in numerous foods, beverages and supplements for people of all ages.
About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Its mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
