You’ve been told how important DHA is for you and your baby, but how do you know if you’re getting enough of the critical nutrient? This simple at-home test can tell you.
Your prenatal doc recommends a DHA supplement—but why?
DHA (short for docosahexaenoic acid) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid found in various foods and dietary supplements. Similar to folic acid, it’s a vital nutrient for developing fetuses. Aside from a prenatal vitamin, many OBGYNs are now recommending DHA during pregnancy. Use the code OVIA20 for 20% off a Prenatal DHA Test from OmegaQuant.
Here’s why DHA is on the roster for prenatal nutrition and how an easy at-home test can tell you if you’re getting enough.
Research points to the importance of DHA
Over the past few years, studies have shown that supplementing with DHA during pregnancy is not only safe but also highly beneficial. Scientific evidence suggests that an adequate amount of prenatal DHA is critical for both mothers and their developing babies. And while consuming DHA is an important component of prenatal nutrition, you won’t know if you’re getting a sufficient amount unless you test your blood levels.
An at-home test will tell you whether you’re getting enough DHA to:
- Aid in your baby’s brain development
- Support your baby’s developing vision
- Support your baby’s immune function
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids in your breast milk
Consuming plenty of omega-3s during pregnancy may also reduce the risk of preterm birth. Additionally, adequate DHA during gestation is associated with a reduced risk of postpartum depression. But how much DHA is enough, and how do you know if you’re hitting the mark?
The recommended daily dose of DHA for expecting mothers is 200 milligrams. This can be achieved by taking a supplement and eating foods rich in omega-3s such as salmon, fresh tuna, herring, and other types of fish. However, this won’t necessarily guarantee your DHA blood level is in the desired range. The only way to make sure you’re getting enough is to test your DHA level.
Why 5% is the number to hit
A DHA blood level of 5% appears to be the minimum needed to reap the benefits. Yet unfortunately, a majority of pregnant mothers are below this threshold, consuming a daily average of roughly 60 milligrams out of the recommended 200. The good news is that testing your DHA levels is easier and more accessible than you may think—no doctor visit or prescription needed.
Test your DHA blood level at home
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role throughout each trimester, as well as during the postpartum period. Previously, the only way for a pregnant woman to track her DHA intake was by recording her diet and prenatal supplements. But with prenatal DHA testing from OmegaQuant, you can check your DHA level at every stage with this safe, easy, and affordable at-home blood test.
DHA testing empowers pregnant women by providing them with the information they need to personalize their omega-3 intake. If your DHA is below 5%, you and your doctor can work together on a prenatal supplementation plan to get your blood level up to par.
When you know where you stand, you’ll have the guidance you need to make necessary adjustments. As a result, you can rest assured knowing both you and your developing tot are getting plenty of this essential nutrient. Get 20% off a Prenatal DHA Test from OmegaQuant with the code [OVIA20].
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Sources
- https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-01/wom-nrp012119.php
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/12/1933/htm
- https://www.marchofdimes.org/mission/global-preterm.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25357095
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30082226
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5273852/
- https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/99/3/506/4577368
- https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/omega-3-fatty-acids-faqs/
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html
