DHA supplements: Your pregnancy must-have for healthy brain development

Expert Advice 20 May 24 By

Happy pregnant woman looking at ultrasound scan at home
(Image: Getty Images)

Support your baby’s future with DHA.

When it comes to pregnancy, ensuring you’re getting the right nutrients is crucial for both you and your growing baby. That’s why it’s a good idea to start taking a DHA supplement when you’re trying to conceive or in the early stages of pregnancy.

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that offers many health benefits for both mums and their babies. It helps support healthy development of your baby’s brain and central nervous system while they’re growing in the womb.

Plus, DHA supports healthy eye and vision development in babies who are breastfed, giving them a healthy start in life.

To make sure you’re getting enough DHA during pregnancy it’s important to eat foods rich in DHA, (think salmon and mackerel) or take DHA supplements if you are not getting enough through diet alone.

DHA is necessary for brain and eye development in babies

DHA plays an important role in brain and eye development, both structurally and in their function. DHA accumulation in the brain and eyes occurs during pregnancy, especially the third trimester.

During pregnancy, the mother’s DHA intake is crucial as it’s passed from her to the baby through the placenta, and later through breast milk.

Happy pregnant woman looking at ultrasound scan at home
During pregnancy, DHA support healthy development of your baby’s brain and central nervous system. (Image: Getty Images)

Natural sources of DHA

You can find natural sources of DHA in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and anchovies. These fish, along with DHA-fortified foods and supplements, provide this essential nutrient.

However, it’s important to note that converting ALA (found in plant-based sources like chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds) to DHA in the body isn’t very efficient. This is when an algae-based DHA supplement will come in handy as it provides DHA directly, without the need for conversion, whilst still being plant based.

Why diet alone may not provide enough DHA during pregnancy

Relying solely on diet to get enough DHA for baby’s development can be challenging. Some pregnant women might not eat enough DHA-rich foods, like fatty fish, due to preferences or restrictions. And even if they do, the DHA levels in these foods can vary, and concerns about mercury in fish may limit the amount women will choose to eat during pregnancy.

DHA supplements, like Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy help maintain adequate intake of DHA for pregnant women to support a healthy pregnancy and their baby’s growth and development.

Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy

All about Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy

Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy contains an algae-sourced DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that’s not commonly found in standard pregnancy multivitamins. This is especially helpful for women who prefer to avoid fish during pregnancy due to concerns about mercury levels.

By using a fish-free source of DHA, Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy provides a safe and reliable source of omega-3 fatty acids needed for healthy foetal brain and central nervous system development.

For women suffering morning sickness, Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy capsules come in mini softgel form (smaller than a 5-cent piece!) with a neutral taste, so they are easy to swallow or mix the capsule contents into food you can tolerate, like yoghurt. Other pregnancy multivitamins are usually large capsules or tablets, with some being flavoured, which may exacerbate morning sickness.

It’s important for pregnant women to discuss their DHA intake and supplementation with their healthcare provider to ensure they’re meeting their needs for a healthy pregnancy.

Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy features:

  • Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy capsules contain a natural algae source of DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid.
  • Maternal dietary intake of DHA helps support healthy foetal brain development and central nervous system function.
  • DHA also helps support healthy eye and vision development in breastfed healthy infants.
  • Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy helps support a healthy pregnancy and maternal health.
  • Suitable for preconception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
  • Available in 60 softgel capsules.
  • Dosage instructions to align with preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding nutrient requirements, rather than one dosage across all stages.
  • Free from artificial colours, artificial flavours, dairy, lactose, gluten, GMO’s, preservatives, soy and sugar.
  • Uses halal certified capsules and ingredients.
  • 100% Australian made and owned.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Brought to you by Bio Island DHA for Pregnancy.

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