Fatty acids are an important part of nutrition, and are especially essential during fetal development. This is particularly true for the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is important for nourishing the brain and retina of developing fetuses. Having an adequate supply of DHA is crucial during the first three months before conception and early pregnancy, and it has been found to be associated with birth weight.
A recent study observed the associations between birth weight, birth length or head circumference and the maternal plasma levels of DHA, arachidonic acid (AA, an essential omega-6 fatty acid) and arachidonic acid’s precursor, DGLA. 782 mother-infant pairs had their plasma levels assessed during early, middle and late pregnancy and at delivery. The study found that there were significant positive associations between maternal DHA levels and birth weight and head circumference. This was particularly true for DHA levels early in pregnancy, and remained significant even after adjusting for other factors such as maternal age, height, smoking and drinking during pregnancy, gestational age and infant sex. On the other hand, AA and DGLA contents in late pregnancy were negatively associated with birth weight. The study concluded that DHA levels early in pregnancy have a role in fetal growth-programming while AA works to limit fetal growth.
DHA and AA are known to be important in the development of the fetus. This study confirms previous findings that DHA has a positive effect on birth weight while AA limits fetal growth. The ratio of AA to DHA is also important in other areas of health, such as inflammatory disorders. Birth dimensions are associated with later developments and health. Birth weight has been shown to be associated with later cardiovascular risk, and head circumference at birth is suggested to be a predictor of later intelligence. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to maintain adequate levels of DHA, particularly early in the pregnancy.
See Omega Cardio from AOR for more information about DHA.
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