Researchers with the Child & Family Research Institute in Vancouver, Canada are suggesting that pregnant women pay attention to their Omega-3 Fatty Acid consumption.

Current dietary recommendations, specifically the fat guidelines, may not be calling for enough Omega-3. The reason why: no significant changes in these guidelines over
the past half century.

Dr. Sheila Innis, Head of the Nutrition and Metabolism program at the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children’s Hospital, and professor, department of pediatrics, University of British Columbia, lead the research team.

“Omega 3 fatty acids are important for the baby’s developing eyes and brain. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, fat consumed by the mum is transferred to the developing baby and breastfed infant, and this fat is important for the baby’s developing organs. Our next task is to find out why the typical North American diet puts mothers at risk. Then we can develop dietary recommendations to help women consume a nutritious diet that promotes optimal health for mums and babies.”

One of the study’s findings: babies of mothers who ate more fish during pregnancy performed better on eye tests. This difference was measurable when babies were as young as two months.

Research will continue and track the vision of the babies as they grow.

Learn more from the Child & Family Research Institute.