The findings of a newly published study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicate that the typical North American is eating lots of meat and not much fish, which translates to the likelihood of getting too little heart protective and brain fortifying omega-3 fatty acids. For pregnant women in particular, this can put the neurological development of their unborn child at risk.

"Omega 3 fatty acids are important for the baby's developing eyes and brain," says Dr. Sheila Innis, the study's principal investigator, head of the nutrition and metabolism program at the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital, and a professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of British Columbia.

"During pregnancy and breastfeeding, fat consumed by the mum is transferred to the developing baby and breastfed infant, and this fat is important for the baby's developing organs. Our next task is to find out why the typical North American diet puts mothers at risk. Then we can develop dietary recommendations to help women consume a nutritious diet that promotes optimal health for mums and babies."

The Canadian scientists discovered that the women who consumed lots of meat but little fish were actually deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and their babies didn't perform as well on eye tests as babies from mothers who weren't deficient. The results of the omega-3 fatty acid shortfall were detectable as early as two months of age. The study will track the children's development until four years of age.

The study itself involved 135 pregnant women who were randomly assigned to either a group that took an omega-3 fatty acid supplement or one that took a placebo. None of the women changed their existing diet. The supplement added about as much omega-3 fatty acids as two fatty fish meals per week. The women had blood samples drawn and analyzed at 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy for the amount of docasohexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acids linked to brain and eye function.

After the babies were born, the scientists performed vision tests to evaluate the infants' ability to distinguish lines of different widths. This test is a novel way of evaluating neurological maturity in babies who are unable to talk.

The principle aim of the Canadian study was to add to the growing body of knowledge concerning the dietary needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women.

"For better health, it's important for pregnant and nursing mums -- and all of us -- to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, eggs, and fish while minimizing consumption of processed and prepared foods," added Dr. Innis.

Readers interested in learning more about omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other health-promoting measures are encouraged to peruse these free online articles:

Omega Fatty Acids Benefits From Fish Oil Supplements

Longevity Living Longer and Healthier

Folic Acid, Homocysteine and Neurological Disorders

Cancer-causing Compound Produced by Cooking Can Be Reduced With A Kitchen Spice

Arterial Blockage - Managing Triglycerides to Lower Your Risk

Nutritional Deficiencies A Look at Your Tongue and Nails Reveals Much

Reference: Child & Family Research Institute (2008, March 11). Typical North American Diet Is Deficient In Omega-3 Fatty Acids. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 10, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/03/080307133659.htm