Supplementing the diet of breastfeeding mothers with one of the omega-3 fatty acids – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supports the growth and development of the brain of premature babies – reported Canadian scientists during the Pediatricians Meeting in Vancouver.
DHA is essential for the proper growth and development of the infant brain. Babies born much prematurely often have very low levels of DHA because they do not spend the last trimester in the womb, and it is at the end of pregnancy that fatty acids accumulate in the tissues. In addition, premature babies have an immature digestive system, which can lead to eating disorders.
On the other hand, the diets of nursing mothers may not provide DHA, which is mainly present in oily fish. Researchers from Canada decided to check whether the administration of DHA supplements to nursing mothers will increase the level of this fatty acid in the bodies of their babies.
Supplementing the diets of nursing mothers with DHA has been found to be an effective way of delivering this compound to babies. As shown in studies, the level of DHA in the milk of mothers who took its supplement was as much as 12 times higher than in women who did not get this acid and about 3 times higher in the blood plasma of infants breastfed by mothers who did not use DHA.
As emphasized by the scientists, their work proves that feeding DHA to nursing mothers is a good way to supply this acid to premature babies and ensure their good development of the nervous system. (PAP)