THE IMPORTANCE OF ACID DOCOSAHEXAENOIC (DHA) IN PREGNANCY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

• Main Author: Camilo Heidmann Soccol, Marcilene
• Publication Date: 2022
• Other Authors: Rodrigues, Lais Cristina, Antunes Ribeiro Filho, Alexandre
• Format: Article
• Language: por
• Source: Scientia Generalis
• Download full: https://scientiageneralis.com.br/index.php/SG/article/view/379
• topic: Pregnancy; Lactation; Childhood; Omega-3 fatty acids; DHA; Pregnancy; Lactation; Childhood; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; DHA; Embarazo; Lactancia; Infancia; Ácidos grasos omega-3; DHA

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential not only for neurological development but also for a child's visual function. The greatest need for DHA occurs during intrauterine development and the first two years of life. The mother is a determining factor in the supply of these fatty acids to the child, as she is not able to elongate and desaturate the fatty acids. The objective of this work was to present a literature review based on the selection of articles published in scientific journals indexed in databases such as PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Google Scholar, focused on publications related to omega-3 fatty acids DHA, pregnancy and lactation, published in recent years. Studies indicate that, regardless of diet, every pregnant woman should receive a daily supplement of DHA, preferably obtained industrially through algae, avoiding the risk of contamination by heavy metals. In the absence of breast milk, it can produce a lack of this nutrient on the part of the newborn as well as disorders, especially in visual and cognitive development.