During the process of maternal development, the fetus needs to obtain nutrition through the umbilical cord. In order to ensure the healthy development of the fetus, pregnant women must ensure sufficient nutrition during pregnancy, so that the fetus can be healthier and smarter after birth. For this reason, many pregnant women will artificially supplement some nutrients. Do pregnant women need to supplement with linolenic acid?
Linoleic acid is an important nutrient for nerve and brain development. If a pregnant woman's diet lacks linolenic acid, the fetal brain development may be affected, and in severe cases, it may even lead to low intelligence in the baby. Therefore, pregnant women need to supplement with linolenic acid. Linoleic acid can promote the development of the fetus's eyes and brain, so pregnant women must obtain the necessary linolenic acid during pregnancy so that the fetus can develop healthily.
It is important to pay attention to the timing of supplementing alpha linolenic acid during pregnancy. There are two golden periods for fetal brain development, the first being between three to six months of pregnancy, when the number of fetal brain cells rapidly increases. Another golden period is between seven and nine months of pregnancy, during which the fetal brain cell volume gradually increases. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women supplement with alpha linolenic acid during these two periods.
Linoleic acid can be synthesized on its own in the human body, and edible oil is the main ingredient for obtaining linolenic acid. For example, flaxseed oil, Sichuan pepper seed oil, perilla oil, etc. all have the effect of supplementing linolenic acid. Pregnant women can eat some of these edible oils in moderation during pregnancy.
