mumomega

Why mother and baby need fatty acids

Equazen developed mumomega to help deliver the structural fatty acids required at an important time of life: before, during and after pregnancy. We all have a requirement for long-chain fatty acids, but research is indicating that the particular fatty acids DHA and AA are needed as building blocks for the cells that make up the eye and brain during pregnancy. So it is important that pregnant women have an adequate input from their diet.

A dietary source of these fatty acids is oily fish, however it is sometimes difficult to consume sufficient quantities via the diet.  Therefore supplementation with mumomega offers a convenient way of optimising intake of these nutrients. The omega-3 and omega-6 oils we use in this formulation are of high purity, so you can take the supplement in the knowledge that you are putting goodness into your body.

Expecting mothers need to be careful about their fatty acid input, not only for babies, but for themselves. Mother Nature gives the baby priority, and it effectively treats mother's brain as a food source, stripping away structural fatty acids, which are then carried across the placenta to help foetal brain development. This entirely natural process can result in the maternal brain shrinking by up to 3% during pregnancy. Clearly, it is prudent at this important time to ensure a proper intake of essential fatty acids, which is where a particularly supplement such as mumomega may be considered.

The formulation is based on careful research into the role of fatty acids in neuro-development. Up to 30% of the dry weight of the brain is made up of long chain fatty acids, the majority being omega-3 DHA, and to a lesser degree omega-6 AA. These nutrients can only be supplied from the diet. It is particularly important that these long chain fatty acids are readily available during the third trimester of pregnancy, and the first two years of a child's life: the times when brain development is most rapid.

One must ensure mother takes enough AA and DHA during pregnancy, and after, when the child is hopefully being breastfed. mumomega helps to supplement the essential fatty acids that are present in breast milk.

Of particular interest is the fact that organisations recommend we all eat more fish – at least two portions a week. The main reason for this is because in addition to being an excellent low-fat protein source, oily fish is also rich in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. In particular, the structural fatty acids play an important role in the ‘nutritional preparation’ for pregnancy, since a diet that includes these have been shown to have positive outcomes for the developing baby and the expectant or breastfeeding mother. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that we should all eat at least two portions of fish a week but most people aren't eating enough fish. Fish and shellfish are rich in protein and minerals, and oily fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

However, oily fish can contain low levels of pollutants that can build up in the body. For this reason there are recommendations for the maximum number of portions of oily fish we should be eating each week (a portion is about 140g).

When you're trying for a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding eating fish is good for your health and the development of your baby, but you need to avoid some types of fish and limit the amount you eat of some others. The FSA guidelines state a maximum of two portions a week of oily fish including tuna, but not to eat shark, swordfish or marlin - because these fish contain more mercury than other types.