Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid for mothers and infants. Docosahexaenoic acid and infant development

The omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important for neural development. We estimated intakes and food sources of DHA among pregnant women, and addressed whether women consuming fish infrequently meet recommended DHA intakes, and are at risk for inadequate DHA to support the needs of their infant. We show the distribution of DHA intakes is wide, and that poor DHA status among many women may not obvious from average population intakes. This work complements our studies to show infants of mothers with low DHA in pregnancy and lactation are at increased risk of poor visual and neural development. Our work supports recommendations for pregnant and lactating women to consume 1-2 portions of fish rich in DHA/week, choosing fish low in environmental contaminants.