Omega3 and Prenatal Depression - new correlation

A new study found that women with prenatal depression had lower omega3 levels in their blood.  This further substantiates that omega3 is an important food component that must be consumed during pregnancy. As chia is the highest plant source of omega3 its consumption during pregnancy should be considered essential.

Have you had your chia today?®

Increasing omeag3/omega6 ratios can improve fetal health

A study just published in Clinical Nutrition indicated that increasing the omega3/omega6 ratio in the diet (either by cutting omega6 consumption, increasing omega3 consumption or doing both) from mid pregnancy onward can improve fetal health. This improvement was demonstrated by increased fetal growth including increased weight, length and head size.

Pregnant women: Have you had your chia today?®

Importance of Omega3 in pre and post natal depression

A new study confirms the importance of omega3 in helping to tackle pre and post natal depression was recently published in Biological Psychiatry. The study was a meta-analysis of 12 other studies and not only showed how important omega3 was, but also pointed to the fact that higher omega6/omega3 ratios were as big of a concern.  So the key here is to increase omega3 consumption (a great source being chia) while reducing omega6 consumption (soy etc). 

Have you had your chia today?®

Omega3 intakes of pregnant women in the US are low - cause for concern

A study that looked at food intakes of more than 7000 women of childbearing age showed their intake of omega3 fatty acids to be way below recommended levels.  Of the study groups, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations were found to be more susceptible to potential deficiencies. Additionally white participants had the lowest intakes compared to Hispanics and blacks.

Why is this a concern? Omega-3 fatty acids play critical roles during fetal growth and development, with increased intakes associated with improved maternal-fetal outcomes.

Have you had your chia today?®

Pregnant women typically do not get enough omega3

A recent report from the University of Alberta in Canada says that only 27% of pregnant women get enough omega3, and then only 25% consume enough omega3 at 3 months postpartum.

This is a serious concern. Omega3 during pregnancy is important for eye and brain development in the fetus, and postpartum women need sufficient omega3 for their recovery.

So what can be done? Yes there are marine sources of omega3, but contaminants are a concern and consequently these should be consumed in limited amounts.

A plant based source of omega3, like chia, is the solution. Not only is contamination a non-issue, it is a sustainable supply of omeg3.


So azChia says:  Have you had your chia today? ®

#pregnancy #omega3 #health