THE VITAL ROLE OF ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS FOR PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN & CHILDREN

Recently it has been discovered that the Omega-3 fats are necessary for the complete development of the human brain and nervous system during pregnancy and the first two years of life.  The Omega-3 fat and its derivative, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is so essential to a child’s development that if a mother and infant are deficient in it, the child’s nervous system and immune system may never fully develop, and it can cause a lifetime of unexplained emotional, learning (ADD/ADHD), and immune system disorders.

Considering the enormous increase in emotional, learning, and immune system disorders in our population today, one can’t help but wonder what effect this widespread nutritional deficiency is having on the breakdown today in people’s health.

One also wonders whether the prevalence of infant and childhood illnesses like diaper rash; Epstein Barr; Candida albicans overgrowth; sinus allergies; chronic ear, nose, and throat infections; as well as so-called emotional disorders like ADHD, ADD, simple hyperactivity and autistic behavior also have their basis in nutritional deficiencies, particularly in the lack of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Further compounding the problem, and estimated 60-70 percent of all two-month-old babies are bottle-fed, and 75-80 percent of all four-month-old babies are bottle-fed; none of the powdered baby formulas such as Isomil, Similac, Gerbet, and Carnation contain Omega-3 fatty acids.  To my knowledge, all baby formulas are made with commercially processed oils which contain high levels of reactive trans fatty acids and other harmful compounds.

Dr. Donald Rudin, in his excellent book The Omega-3 Phenomenon, states the issue succinctly:

There is no comparable substitute for the remarkable mix of nutrients and immunity-boosting factors provided by mother’s milk, as long as the mother is eating properly.  A well-nourished nursing mother provides her infant with a perfect blend of essential fatty acids and their long-chained derivatives, assuring the fast-growing brain and body tissues a rich supply.  Mother’s milk also supplies important antibodies (disease fighters) not present in cow’s milk or in artificial formula.  Here is a nutritive comparison:

·    Breast milk may have five times more arachidonic acid and two and a half times more EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) than formula.

·     Breast milk may have thirty times more DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) than formula.

·    Compared with mother’s milk, formulas are also low in selenium (trace element vital in immune system function ) and biotin (prevents mental retardation).

Sadly, the breast milk of many mothers in our country reflects the high trans fatty acid and low Omega-3 content in the average diet.  American mothers produce milk that often has only one-fifth to one-tenth of the Omega-3 content of the milk that well-nourished, nut-eating Nigerian mother provide their infants.  This is due primarily in part from the lack of this nutrient in wholesome foods.

This discovery has far-reaching implications.  A study in March, 1991 at the Mayo Clinic of nineteen “normal” pregnant women consuming normal diets indicated all were deficient in the Omega-3 fats and to a lesser degree, Omega-6 fats.  Another study of Inuit (Eskimo) women, compared to Canadian women, revealed the same deficiencies in the milk of Canadian nursing mothers.

Compounding the problem is our nation’s pervasive obsession with weight loss programs, which induce women to avoid all fats.  The frightening news is that for the past three generations (since the advent of refined oils), the vast majority of the population in North America has not been given adequate nourishment for complete brain development.  The part of the brain that Omega-3 effects is the learning ability and attendant concentration disorders, anxiety/depression, and auditory and visual perception.  The Omega-3 fats also aid in balancing the autoimmune system, and there seem to be a growing number of children with allergies, colic, and skin problems.

There are also indications that Omega-3 fats play an ongoing role in brain function, healthy immune system function, and general growth throughout childhood and adolescence.  One study revealed that Omega-3 supplementation induced catch-up growth in a deficient, underdeveloped seven-year-olds.

Since our mental apparatus is developed in the mother’s womb and during the first two years of life, one would be wise to heed the advice of the researchers from the Mayo Clinic study.  They suggest that this important fat (Omega-3) be supplemented in every pregnancy, and that refined and hydrogenated fats should be avoided during this critical period.

For these conservative researchers to include a message like this in their research paper should make us concerned for our future.  I have personal experience with families who have had flax babies (infants given flaxseed oil supplementation with diet).  These children (now 3 and 6 years old) are very bright and healthy and have been free from many health problems most young children now experience.

A deficiency of the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats causes insufficient milk production and breast engorgement.  Flax seed oil has been found to substantially increase milk production in women who are not producing enough milk to nurse their infants.  It also often clears up breast engorgement.  One woman I know was having great difficulty producing enough milk to nurse her newborn child.  Within twenty-four hours of taking flax seed oil, her milk production doubled, and one breast that was engorged opened up, allowing the milk to flow freely.

Many authorities recommend that pregnant and nursing women consume fatty fish two to three times weekly and/or add a minimal amount of flax seed oil to their diets to insure adequate intake of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Another paper worth reading is the report given by Artemis Simopoulos, M.D., a pediatrician and endocrinologist from the International Life Sciences Institute.  She takes a comprehensive look at how the Omega-3 deficiency affects many areas, from fetal growth to arthritis and cancer.

A healthy mother’s milk is high in essential fatty acids, GLA, and other precursors to prostaglandins.  Cow’s milk is low in essential fatty acids, and other prostaglandin precursors, and is high in saturated fats.  For this reason, cow’s milk is not an adequate substitute for mother’s milk.  Neither is baby formula.  At a recent international symposium on “Dietary Omega-3 and –6 Fatty Acids,” Dr. Neuringer, an authority on infant milk, stated that the low Omega-3, high Omega-6 content in infant formulas is of great concern because of the imbalance it causes among the resultant prostaglandins.  These imbalances could impair the immune system and predispose the infant to cancer and heart trouble later in life.  Feeding a nourishing baby a few drops of flax see oil will provide the Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids.

The Health Protection Branch of the Canadian government, which is the equivalent of the American FDA, is considering requiring that all infant formulas contain adequate amounts of the Omega-3 fatty acids.

Flax seed oil is the highest source of Omega-3 fatty acids, a good source of the Omega-6 fatty acids, and has no cholesterol.  It is good tasting and can be poured directly onto protein dishes, vegetables, salads, grains, and soups.  It is a very delicate oil and should not be used for cooking.

Authorities recommend that 2 percent of daily calories be composed of Omega-3 fatty acids, and this applies to children as well as adults which can be provided by the following amounts of flax seed oil:

Daily dosages Flax Seed Oil

¼ teaspoon for infants 1 to 6 months

½ teaspoon for infants 6 to 12 months

1-2 teaspoon for 1-to 2-year olds

2 teaspoons for children over 2 years

1-2 tablespoons for adults

Note:  Adults and children today are deficient in the Omega-3 fatty acids, nursing mothers may also not have sufficient amounts to pass along to their infants.  It is especially important, therefore, for pregnant and nursing women and children to supplement their diets with flax seed oil.  A few drops once daily can be added to infant formulas and rubbed on the infant’s abdomen.  Children can take the oil in there food or juice drinks.

Generational Consequences of Deficiency

There are many serious consequences of generation after generation having diets deficient in an element essential for normal development of the nervous system.  Following are a few observations of the effects that inadequate nutrition is having on social and economic conditions today.

·    A widespread alienation and pervasive depression in young people, truly alarming to observe in an age group usually known for its boundless enthusiasm and enjoyment of life.

·    An increase in suicides and killings among young children, almost unheard of a generation ago.

·    The ongoing increase in drug and alcohol abuse.

·    An unparalleled growth of immune system disorders like Epstein Barr, Candida, allergies, chronic sinus and ear infections, and digestive disorders.  

NOTE:

      DHA is a major component of the lipids in the retina, cerebral cortex, testis, and sperm.  There is evidence that the enzymes for producing these long-chain fatty acids are not yet active in our newborn infants. Research points out that human milk contains DHA, whereas our present infant formulas contain none, and that infants raised entirely on formula do not increase the DHA in the gray matter of the brains, while those receiving human milk are increasing their DHA.  Martha Neuringer, PhD, assistant professor, and William E. Connor, MD, professor at Oregon Health Sciences University conclude, "In view of the findings on cerebral cortex and retinal function, it seems prudent to recommend that the human diet provide an adequate amount of n-3 fatty acids."   Particularly during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy.

A serious decline in the level of scholastic achievement amongst school children due to the rise in attention disorders should be of utmost concern to parents and teachers alike. 

Natural Flax Seed Oil (adults and children)

Natural Flax Seed Capsules (adults)

Natural Flax Seed Meal (add to: pancakes, breads, shakes, homemade rolls, cakes, pie crusts, ect.)

While inorganic supplements may be the most popular among consumers, they are not as effectively absorbed by your cells as their organic or natural counterparts, if at all.  Natural or organic is proven to be the safest form of supplementation at any time.

Human life is the most esteemed stage of existence on earth and should be accommodated with due respect and integrity from all spheres of activity especially the food industry.  You must always remember that it is your responsibility as well, to do all you can to be aware, to understand, and to know the things which will enable your children to develop themselves to their fullest potential both physically and mentally as successful human beings.  

Ritalin and other drugs are not the answer to ADD/ADHD