Journal Name:
Biomed. Pharmacother.
Article Title:
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids for women.
Date Written:
2007
Volume:
61
Number:
2
Page:
105
Author(s):
Bourre, J.M.
Article:
In this extensive review, the specific needs of women for omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and the very long chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are described. Omega-3 fatty acid (dietary or in capsules) ensures that a woman's adipose tissue contains a reserve of these fatty acids for the developing fetus and the breast-fed newborn infant. This ensures the optimal cerebral and cognitive development of the infant. The presence of large quantities of EPA and DHA in the diet slightly lengthens pregnancy, and improves its quality. Human milk contains both ALA and DHA, unlike that of other mammals. The importance of dietary ALA for the development and function of the retina and brain has been clear since 1997. There is a direct relationship between the dietary intake of
ALA and its concentration, and that of its derivative DHA, in the tissues of both mother and fetus.
Conditions such as diabetes can alter the fatty acid profile of mother's milk, while certain diets, like those of vegetarians, vegans, or even macrobiotic diets, can have the same effect, if they do not include seafood. A diet high in ALA content, increases the ALA and EPA in the milk and erythrocytes of lactating women, but not DHA.
Some disorders, such as diabetes, alter the composition of mother’s milk; ALA accounts for only 0.87% of total fatty acids in the milk of diabetics, much lower than the normal figure of 2.3%, while DHA accounts for only 0.11%, compared to 0.3% in the milk of normal women. Although the diets of vegans and vegetarians contain reasonable amounts of ALA, it is unlikely that enough is converted to DHA to satisfy the needs of pregnancy and lactation, particularly as these diets contain large amounts of competing omega-6 fatty acids. The amount of DHA is usually reduced. The tissues of their offspring have above normal concentrations of LA and ARA, but subnormal DHA.
ALA, DHA and EPA, are important for preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease in women of all ages. The Cretan diet showed the importance of ALA for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The ‘‘Lyon’’ study on patients of both sexes found only five non-mortal infarcts and three deaths in those patients taking ALA supplements, while there were 17 infarcts and 16 deaths in controls. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin, and are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer's disease and others), hypertension, toxemia, diabetes and, to a certain extend, age-related macular degeneration.
Omega-3 fatty acids could play a positive role in the prevention of menstrual syndrome and postmenopausal hot flushes. Omega-3 fatty acids may help to prevent menstrual syndromes, particularly dysmenorrhea. They are believed to do this by reducing the production of eicosanoid pro-inflammatory molecules derived from omega-6 fatty acids by competing with their common metabolic enzymes. Bone formation and mineralization also seems to benefit from a high omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratio, which could reduce the risk of osteoporosis. *The normal western diet contains little ALA (less than 50% of the RDA). The only adequate sources are canola oil, walnuts and "omega-3" eggs. The amounts of EPA and DHA in the diet vary greatly from person to person. The only good sources are fish and seafood, together with "omega-3" eggs. There is practically no toxicological risk from eating too much omega-3 fatty acid, as this would require an intake far above that provided by a normal diet. In conclusion, women have specific requirements for omega-3 fatty acids that should be recognized and fulfilled, either by the diet or with capsules.
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