NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are required for the optimal formation of the brain and eyes.
- They also act as precursors for hormone-like substances called eicosanoids (these are required for several local reactions within the body, including reactions like muscle relaxation and blood vessel constriction).
- They also control immune functions like inflammatory reactions and injury that signals the initiation of fever, aggregation of antibodies and pain.
- Omega-6 fatty acids are required for the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are used to synthesize anti-inflammatory mediators.
- High amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids are available in meat and vegetable oils but Omega-3 fatty acids are relatively deficient.
- Deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids is also associated with lower IQ scores in infants, lower scores of visual activity and a high risk of depression in adults.
- Omega-3 supplements are recommended for all pregnant women and those planning to get pregnant and should be continued during lactation as well.
- Revised 2002 RDI recommends 13g/day of omega-6 and 1.4g/day of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Ratio should not exceed 5:1
