Childhood asthma, also known as pediatric asthma, is the most common serious chronic disease in young children. It causes the child’s lungs and airways to get inflamed, especially when they are surrounded by triggers like pollen. Asthma can make it hard for your child to do everyday activities and live a normal life. It can also result in numerous trips to the hospital. However, studies have found that certain types of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of a child developing asthma. Read on to know more about Omega 3 DHA and its role in strengthening a baby’s immune system.
Omega-3s are fatty acids that are essential for the body and have many health benefits.
There are three kinds of omega-3 fatty acids:
Omega 3 DHA is found in every cell in our bodies. It is needed for a healthy heart and nervous system. It also helps in brain and cognitive functioning, healthy skin, hair, and building immune system response.
DHA is naturally produced in small quantities in our bodies. But this is not adequate for our dietary requirements. Therefore, DHA needs to be taken in through DHA Omega 3 foods. This includes cold-water fish, grass-fed meat, dairy, or omega-3 enriched eggs. Omega 3 DHA is also available as supplements.
In recent times, studies have shown that Omega 3 DHA supplements given to mothers during pregnancy or lactation have a protective impact on asthma or wheezing or other allergic outcomes during infancy or childhood. Along with reduced in asthma severity, the studies also reported reduced allergic sensitization and prevalence of cough.
There are many theories to explain this anti-inflammatory effect of Omega 3 DHA. According to research, the substances present in maternal tissue or breast milk or even biochemical process during secretion of breast milk might be responsible for this anti-inflammatory effect.
Childhood asthma is similar to adult asthma. However, since children have a smaller airway compared to adults, it makes asthma a serious illness for them. Asthma in children is a leading cause of emergency hospital visits and missed school days.
Some symptoms of childhood asthma include:
It is important to remember that diagnosing childhood asthma can be difficult. This is because; children will often go symptom free for long periods before having an asthma attack. Often children cannot explain the symptoms and sometimes, the symptoms of asthma can be confused with those of other respiratory diseases in kids.
The risk factors for developing childhood asthma include:
For babies, breast milk contains omega-3 fatty acids, including Docosahexanoic acid (DHA). They help the infant’s developing immune system and prevent childhood asthma. However, the content of DHA in breast milk depends on the mother’s diet. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to have a diet rich in Omega-3 DHA or to take regular Omega-3 supplements.
Hera’s Smart Baby Enhancer range of prenatal vitamins contains omega DHA in the correct dosages to bridge any gaps in nutrition during pregnancy.
You can easily buy it from here: Smart Baby Enhancer
Hera Pro Tip: Omega 3 DHA supplements help in the development of the baby’s brain, spinal cord and eyes. They also protects against birth complications.
Omega-3 fatty acids get incorporated into the cell membrane of immune cells, and many other cells. They are metabolized to Eicosanoids, which are signalling molecules that help control inflammation and build immunity for the baby.
Studies have proven that Omega 3 DHA supplementation during pregnancy decreases the occurrence of colds in children. Having adequate Omega 3 DHA during pregnancy has been medically proven to reduce the risk of allergies in infants. It has a positive influence on immune development in babies.
The bottom line,
During pregnancy, the mother needs to prepare her body with vital nutrients so that she can have a healthy baby. Besides taking prenatal vitamin regularly, expectant mothers must also include prenatal Omega 3 DHA supplements into their daily regime. Hera’s Smart Baby Enhancer with Omega 3 DHA is necessary for a healthy baby with a strong immune response.