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Omega-3 benefits for premature babies
Omega-3 benefits for premature babies
In this day and age, a lot of people make the wrongheaded assumption that premature birth is no big deal. This isn't the case. When children are born before a pregnancy reaches full term, they are usually beset with all manner of physical complications that can impact their early development. The effects can even linger for the rest of a child's life.
In addition to major physical detriments like underdeveloped digestive systems, and lungs, premature birth can also severely hamper brain development. But a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) claims that the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements can improve the cognitive performance of kids who were born as preemies.
Researchers from Australia's Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital found that administering over-the-counter fish oil supplements to boost omega-3 levels helped premature baby girls score better on cognitive tests at 18 months of age. This benefit was not seen in premature boys, but the researchers believe that's because boys and girls have differing rates of development.
Study leader Maria Makrides had 272 nursing mothers of premature children take six omega-3 supplement pills a day. This was meant to replicate the amount of omega-3 that full-term babies usually receive in the womb during the third trimester of pregnancy. Eighteen months later, they found that female babies of moms taking the placebo scored slightly lower than the moms taking the omega-3s.
Of course, some doctors claim that the true test of this study's results are not a matter of months, but years. "While an 18-month follow up is okay, an eight-year follow up is going to be much better," says to Dr. David Adamkin, director of neonatal medicine at the University of Louisville. "We need more time to see if these differences are really going to persist."
But while that may be true, I think it's too bad that doctors like Adamkin wouldn't take this opportunity to get moms to start popping more fish oil pills. The benefits of the omega-3s to your heart, arteries, brain, and digestive system are simply too numerous to name. And since moms are routinely told to steer clear of eating omega-3 rich fish and seafood during pregnancy, why not encourage them to take more supplements?
DR.D.
In this day and age, a lot of people make the wrongheaded assumption that premature birth is no big deal. This isn't the case. When children are born before a pregnancy reaches full term, they are usually beset with all manner of physical complications that can impact their early development. The effects can even linger for the rest of a child's life.
In addition to major physical detriments like underdeveloped digestive systems, and lungs, premature birth can also severely hamper brain development. But a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) claims that the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements can improve the cognitive performance of kids who were born as preemies.
Researchers from Australia's Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital found that administering over-the-counter fish oil supplements to boost omega-3 levels helped premature baby girls score better on cognitive tests at 18 months of age. This benefit was not seen in premature boys, but the researchers believe that's because boys and girls have differing rates of development.
Study leader Maria Makrides had 272 nursing mothers of premature children take six omega-3 supplement pills a day. This was meant to replicate the amount of omega-3 that full-term babies usually receive in the womb during the third trimester of pregnancy. Eighteen months later, they found that female babies of moms taking the placebo scored slightly lower than the moms taking the omega-3s.
Of course, some doctors claim that the true test of this study's results are not a matter of months, but years. "While an 18-month follow up is okay, an eight-year follow up is going to be much better," says to Dr. David Adamkin, director of neonatal medicine at the University of Louisville. "We need more time to see if these differences are really going to persist."
But while that may be true, I think it's too bad that doctors like Adamkin wouldn't take this opportunity to get moms to start popping more fish oil pills. The benefits of the omega-3s to your heart, arteries, brain, and digestive system are simply too numerous to name. And since moms are routinely told to steer clear of eating omega-3 rich fish and seafood during pregnancy, why not encourage them to take more supplements?
DR.D.
It is absolutely not true that fish oil doesn't help boys. My son was a preemie and later diagnosed with autism. A few friends suggested I try the fish oil with him. Within 2 weeks of starting it, he was like a different child! He began speaking in complete sentences instead of 2 and 3 word groups, and was talking about things going on around him in a way that makes sense instead of just random babbling. It also improved his focus and attention span. A few times I ran out of it and it took me a few days to get a new bottle and he was crying all the time, miserable, not paying attention to anything and regressing into old behaviors. Once going back on it, he was fine again! (believe me I always stock up now so that never happens again!) We use nordic naturals, because a woman in his old playgroup who has a doctorate in nutrition, told us it's the only one for kids guaranteed to be mercury free. A half a teaspoon a day of fish oil changed our lives! I don't care what ANY study says about the lack of effect it has on boys! I'll introduce them to my son! Omega 3's in MY boy were a miracle.
The article states that pregnant mothers should take omega 3 supplements may I suggest taking Carlson fish oil it's liquid lemon flavored.
In my opinion you should take it even if you're having a boy. first ask your doctor if it's
ok to take fish oil.
In my opinion you should take it even if you're having a boy. first ask your doctor if it's
ok to take fish oil.
can you explain to me this in your own words??
are you suppost to take em while your pregnant? of give it to the child?
i had a preemie boy born at 24 weeks, i know you mentioned that it dosent work in boys? im confused sorry for my stupidiy but im not fluent in inglish and i would like to understand and know more about this.
Thanks so much.
are you suppost to take em while your pregnant? of give it to the child?
i had a preemie boy born at 24 weeks, i know you mentioned that it dosent work in boys? im confused sorry for my stupidiy but im not fluent in inglish and i would like to understand and know more about this.
Thanks so much.
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