It’s always important to support the body with nutrients —but it’s especially important when you’re pregnant. One nutrient that’s key during pregnancy is omega-3 DHA. But what, exactly, is Omega-3 DHA? And why should you look for a prenatal with DHA?
What Is Omega-3 DHA?
First things first—before we jump into the importance of omega-3 DHA (and why it’s especially important during pregnancy), let’s first cover what DHA actually is. DHA is the abbreviation for docosahexaenoic acid, one of the three major omega-3 fatty acids. (The other 2? Alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA.) Omega-3s are an essential part of cell membranes and are involved with a variety of processes in the body, including supporting brain, heart and eye health.*
All the omega-3 fatty acids are present in the body, but DHA is particularly prominent in the brain and eyes (which is why they play such an important role in supporting brain and vision health). Ongoing research also points to additional health benefits of DHA for pregnant women†.* (1)
Health Benefits of Prenatal DHA
How exactly can DHA help support a healthy pregnancy? DHA (and Omega-3 fatty acids in general) may provide a number of supporting benefits during pregnancy. For one thing, DHA is prominent in the brain and eyes—and research has found that DHA (along with choline and folate) during pregnancy may help support a developing brain. All in all, it’s a key, researched component of a prenatal regimen.*