For many years, it has been assumed that micronutrients play an important role in female fertility and reproduction. Already with the desire to have a child, the need for vitamins, minerals and trace elements increases in order to optimally prepare the body for pregnancy. Omega 3 is mentioned as one of the micronutrients that plays a special role. We explain about the essential fatty acid.
What does omega 3 do for those who want to have children?
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids for those who wish to have children, but also during pregnancy. They promote the foetal development of the cells, the eyes and the brain. Even before pregnancy, omega-3 fatty acids help because they feed the mitochondria in the egg cells.
Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA
Studies show that an adequate supply of the valuable omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA support female fertility and healthy development of the unborn child in the womb. An adequate supply of DHA and EPA can therefore increase the chance of a fertilised egg remaining in the womb and developing into a healthy baby.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is particularly important in the second half of pregnancy as it promotes the healthy development of brain function in the unborn baby.
Where is Omega 3 found?
Omega 3 cannot be produced by the body itself, but can easily be absorbed by the body through the consumption of fish, for example. Good suppliers are also wheat germ oil, linseed oil, rapeseed oil, dandelion, spinach, lettuce and broccoli. In particular, fatty cold-water fish contain those fatty acids - called EPA and DHA - that are important for the health and fertility of the mother as well as for the brain development of the baby.
Omega 3 supplements
Experts recommend that women who want to have children, as well as mothers-to-be, take at least 200 mg of DHA daily in their diet or in supplements. DHA is mainly found in fatty fish such as salmon. If you want to take DHA specifically with food supplements, you can reach for capsules made from fish oil or the vegetarian alternative, algae capsules.
If you have any further questions about omega 3 and the right way to take it if you wish to have children (or are pregnant), please do not hesitate to contact our pharmacists at Saint Charles Apotheke Vienna or Berlin. If you are interested in more information about dietary supplements for infertility, we recommend this article.
