Omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Essential fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids with two or more double bonds in the molecule, they are also called long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (abbreviated as LC PUFA). They are needed to maintain optimal health, but they cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from dietary sources. They remain in liquid form even in cold water. There are 2 groups of LC PUFA: omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic) fatty acids. For human metabolism, the optimal ratio of fatty acids is 1:3 (one part linolenic acid/omega-3 and three parts linoleic acid/omega 6). Humans need both fats to regulate hormone synthesis, maintain and structure the immune system, and maintain cell metabolism. The ratio of these fatty acids is of particular importance for maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes.Molecules are created from both fatty acids that regulate inflammatory processes. In principle, the breakdown products of omega-3 fatty acids reduce the inflammatory response, while the breakdown products of omega-6 fats increase it. One of the theories that explains the increase in the frequency of immune diseases, diseases of the heart and blood vessels is based on the observation that the way of eating has changed, and that the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids is 1:10.

In human life, the fastest brain growth occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are especially important in the diet of pregnant women and small children. During the mentioned period, you should avoid consuming long-lived fish (predators) because they contain an increased concentration of mercury (methylmercury), which is naturally found in the environment.

Small blue fish (sardines) are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.They are broken down in the body into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapantean acid (EPA). DHA makes up over 50% of the building material of the brain and about 65% of the background of the eye.

Their importance is exceptional in the complex processes of brain development, and in addition to consuming food rich in these fats (good sources are olive oil, almonds, linseed and hemp oil), it is recommended to additionally take omega-3 in the form of capsules or oil during the last trimester of pregnancy (when the brain grows the fastest) and breastfeeding. The latest research has shown that taking omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy significantly reduces the frequency of premature birth.

There is about 30 times more DHA in human milk than in the milk of other mammals. The importance of these fats is so great that all substitute milk preparations (formulas) are additionally enriched with them. By consuming omega 3 fatty acids, the mother can increase the concentration of DHA in her milk and replenish her own reserves, which are significantly reduced after childbirth. Namely, in the last trimester of pregnancy, the placenta actively draws on the mother's reserves of DHA in order to ensure sufficient amounts for the growth and development of the brain, which records the fastest growth during that period. After giving birth, the mother will need about 6 months to compensate for the DHA deficiency.  It seems that the feeling of fatigue and depression that occurs after childbirth is partly caused by a lack of DHA. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure a sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids during this period as well.

Author: Prof. Ph.D. Milivoj Jovančević, primarius