Can pregnant women take DHA?
Feb 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Pregnant women can moderately supplement with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which helps promote fetal brain and retinal development, reduces the risk of premature birth, and assists pregnant women in regulating their emotions. However, attention should be paid to the dosage to avoid excessive intake that may increase physical burden. Additionally, the timing of supplementation should be considered; it is recommended to take DHA during the second or third trimester. The specific timing, however, should be determined based on individual needs and fetal development status.
Generally speaking, DHA refers to docosahexaenoic acid. Pregnant women can consume docosahexaenoic acid, but should pay attention to the dosage. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Docosahexaenoic acid belongs to unsaturated fatty acids and is an essential substance for the human body. Its primary function is to promote normal brain development. When taken by pregnant women, it can promote the phospholipid composition of fetal brain pyramidal cells, aid in the growth of neurons in the sensory center of the fetal cerebral cortex, promote fetal retinal development, assist in reducing the risk of premature birth, and help pregnant women alleviate abnormal emotions. Therefore, pregnant women can usually supplement with docosahexaenoic acid.
However, due to the special physical condition of pregnant women, attention should be paid to the dosage of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation to avoid excessive intake that could burden the body. The timing of supplementation should also be considered. It is generally recommended to start supplementing with docosahexaenoic acid during the second or third trimester, although the exact timing should be determined based on individual needs and fetal development.
It should be noted that pregnant women should supplement with docosahexaenoic acid only under the guidance of a physician to avoid self-supplementation. In addition, maintaining a balanced diet in daily life is also important to ensure adequate nutrition.
