Unlocking the power of Omega-3 during your pregnancy

Being pregnant is a remarkable journey filled with numerous physical and emotional changes. Nutrition is one of the more important topics when you are expecting. Among the many nutrients essential during pregnancy, Omega-3 fatty acids often take a back seat in the nutritional spotlight, yet they rightfully merit a more prominent role.

Pregnancy brings about a unique set of nutritional requirements, and specific nutrients take center stage during this period. Today, these include folic acid, iodine, iron, calcium, vitamin D, antioxidants, and Omega-3 DHA, all of which are essential for supporting the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.

Omega-3 fats are classified as essential because they play a pivotal role in supporting your immune system, brain function, and heart health throughout life. Your body cannot produce enough of these nutrients on its own. Out of more than 10 different Omega-3 fatty acids, the two marine types, EPA and DHA, are particularly potent and you need to obtain these nutrients from high-quality fish, seafood or fish oil supplements. To reap the health benefits during pregnancy, women are advised to consume at least 200 mg of DHA Omega-3 fatty acids daily, in addition to the generally recommended daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA. Even if fish is part of your regular diet, you may need supplements, depending on how much DHA is stored in the body. A small supply of DHA at the beginning of pregnancy may require you to take supplements early on. However, if you enter the pregnancy with a good supply of DHA you might get by on the Omega-3s you get from food.

Understanding the metabolic changes
As a mother, you are the main supplier of Omega-3s to your baby. Early on, in the first and second trimesters, your body enters an anabolic state, building up body stores of essential nutrients to support the growth of the fetus and optimize its potential to deliver a healthy newborn. In the last trimester, a shift occurs to a catabolic state. During this phase, vast amounts of essential nutrients, including Omega fatty acids, are released from your body's reserves to provide your baby with a continuous flow of nutrients during its most critical growth phase.

Omega-3 DHA and EPA: Pregnancy's Dynamic Nutrient Duo
It’s clear to see that both EPA and DHA play a unique role when you’re pregnant. Throughout your pregnancy, your baby heavily relies on your Omega-3 stores, which explains why it is so important to build these reserves. DHA is known for boosting brain health, and it is vital for the baby's brain and eye development. Recent research even suggests a reduced risk of premature births with higher DHA levels.
– For expecting mothers, being the primary source of DHA for their growing babies, particularly during the crucial third trimester when neurological and overall development peaks, underscores the importance of building up Omega-3 stores before and during pregnancy”, explains Dr. Emmalee Gisslevik, research and development specialist at Zinzino, a global, health tech company specializing in test-based, personalized nutrition with scientifically proven supplements and personal health tests.

EPA, traditionally associated with heart health and anti-inflammatory properties, has gained importance in pregnancy as it may assist in transporting DHA across the placenta to the fetus. This explains the significance of both fatty acids for optimal nutrient delivery.

The significance of Omega-3s, particularly DHA, is often overlooked beyond pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding, your baby will benefit from the DHA you pass on through lactation, supporting growth and development. Additionally, maintaining high DHA levels post-pregnancy will help your own recovery and overall health as a new mother.

Choosing an Omega-3 Supplement
To determine your body's nutritional needs when you’re pregnant, regular testing of the Omega-3 levels in your blood is recommended. Simply relying on occasional fish consumption or prenatal supplements does not guarantee that your blood levels of Omega-3s meet the desired range. It needs to be measured. Zinzino recommends you take a baseline test to determine your body’s current state and whether you need to increase your Omega-3 levels. If you decide to add supplements to your diet, you are advised to get tested every four months to track your body’s response and adjust the intake if need be.

Zinzino’s BalanceTest is a scientific, home-administered dried blood spot test that provides accurate readings of 11 fatty acid levels in your blood, with six different health markers, including your essential Omega-6:3 ratio. Based on your unique fatty acid profile from the test, Zinzino provides personalized recommendations and guidelines on how to restore or maintain the Omega-3 levels in your body with a tailored intake of their BalanceOil+; an all-natural Omega food supplement.

The oil is made from a unique, synergistic formula based on pure, high-grade fish oil and premium extra virgin olive oil. Pre-harvest olives hold the same naturally powerful antioxidants found in fish that keep the Omega-3 nutrients fresh, potent and easily absorbed in the body. Only a spoonful a day will safely restore your body’s fatty acid balance, protect your body from oxidative stress and support normal heart and brain function during your pregnancy.
– Navigating the complexities of nutritional needs when you’re pregnant can be overwhelming. That's where specially tailored supplements like the Maternity Balance Kit come into play. The kit includes scientific health tests to measure your fatty acid levels and personalized Omega supplements to restore them. The hard facts from the test and our recommendations will empower you with valuable insights on your life-changing journey into motherhood, Dr. Gisslevik concludes.