DHA significantly enhances visual acuity maturation, retinal development, and cognitive functions in newborns. DHA is vitally important for pregnant mothers, especially from the third trimester until her baby’s second year of life. During this time, a developing child needs a steady supply of DHA to form the brain and other parts of the nervous system. In essence, DHA is a conditionally essential nutrient for adequate neurodevelopment in humans. It is also a vital part of gene expression.
A deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy can damage or hinder the neurological and physical development of a child and the mental capacity of their brain. This damage early on, makes a person more prone to depression, bipolar disorder, behavioural problems, domestic violence, PTSD, and suicide. I believe this deficiency or imbalance can also make a child more prone to harm from vaccinations that results in autism and ADHD. EFAs in balance also play a role in preventing type two diabetes, which involves many symptoms including mood swings and weight problems.
Statistics reveal that ADHD, autism, behavioral problems among children, depression and suicides at all ages are worsening and already a crisis in many places. Undoubtedly, diet, nutrition, and environment play a big part in this. Instead of drugging millions of people, including children, as the current medical system does, many cases of depression and mental illness could be alleviated more safely and affordably by addressing the causes. This includes addressing dietary ignorance, misinformation, and deficiencies; conflicts of interest; pollution and chemical exposure; corruption and cover-ups; junk foods/drinks, and drugs; and the big void in good nutrition and prenatal care.
Check out:
https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/peter_cook/childrearing.html
https://www.organicconsumers.org/
https://www.momsacrossamerica.com/
12 Foods That Are High in Omega-3
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods#section10
• Mackerel (4,107 mg per one piece, or 5,134 mg per 3.5oz/100g)
• Salmon (4,023 mg per half fillet, or 2,260 mg in 3.5oz/100g)
• Cod Liver Oil (2,664 mg per 1 Tbsp serving)
• Herring (3,181 mg per fillet of raw Atlantic herring, or 1,729 mg per 3.5oz/100g)
• Sardines (2,205 mg per cup/149g, or 1,480 mg per 3.5oz/100g)
• Caviar/Roe (1,086 mg per 1Tbsp/14.3 g, or 6,789 mg per 3.5 oz/100g)
• Anchovies (951 mg per 2 oz can/45g of European anchovies, or 2,113 mg per 3.5 oz/100g)
• Oysters (565 mg per 6 raw Eastern oysters, or 672 mg per 3.5 oz/100g)
• Flaxseeds (2,338 mg per Tbsp/14.3g, or 7,196 mg per TBSP/14.3g of oil)
• Chia Seeds (4,915 mg per 1oz serving/23g)
• Hemp Seeds (6,000 mg of ALA omega 3 per 1oz/28g)
• Perilla Seed Oil (9,000 mg of ALA omega 3 per Tbsp/14g)
• Walnuts (2,542 mg per 1oz/28g, or about 7 walnuts)
• Soybeans (1,241 mg per 1/2 cup/86g, or 1,443 mg per 3.5oz/100g)
While fish/seafood are high sources of omega 3, consuming fish is a constant concern because of pollution and exposure to plastics, mercury, and other heavy metals. Farmed fish raises additional concerns because of contamination from antibiotics, bacteria, and viruses. Thus, the other sources of the EFAs are a safer option.
EFAs affect the function of cell receptors. Hence, they provide the starting point for making hormones that affect mood, regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. They also bind to cell receptors that regulate genetic function.