Often, pregnant women are concerned about getting the necessary micronutrients in the right amounts. If you’re planning to take a prenatal vitamin, you should look to see if the supplement at least contains DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. This important fat-building component is crucial in embryogenesis. 

DHA supplementation may lessen the risk of preterm delivery, according to Trusted Source by Healthline. It is beneficial not only to the infant, but also to the mommy. According to a 2020 study however, DHA may help reduce sad emotions throughout the early postnatal period, which is defined as late pregnancy to early postpartum. 

Although DHA is found in some meals, such as fatty fish, most individuals may not get enough of it, particularly during pregnancy. 

If you’re planning to conceive or are pregnant at the moment, your doctor may have advised you on the supplements or drugs you should take to guarantee your and the baby’s well-being and safety. That is why physicians frequently advise taking a DHA supplement pre, throughout, and after pregnancy. Some of the DHA supplements suggested by doctors are listed below by Beauty Insider.

Source: Unsplash

The Importance of DHA During Pregnancy

A prenatal DHA vitamin is a nutritional supplement designed particularly for pregnant women and those who are attempting to conceive. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is necessary for neurodevelopment (better known as brain muscle growth). 

DHA is responsible for about 97% of the omega-3 fatty acids, and also accountable for approximately 25% of the total fat composition of our brain development. Doctors recommended continued DHA consumption during pregnancy because the brain includes a large amount of fat and has numerous neural connections. 

Because a baby’s brain development is at its height during the third trimester, it is extremely crucial to ingest food supply of DHA, take a prenatal vitamin containing DHA, and maybe supplement with additional DHA. 

Foods That Contain DHA

DHA intakes are a fantastic complement to your prenatal regimen. However, you may satisfy your DHA requirements by incorporating DHA-rich foods in your diet as well. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests eating 8 to 12 ounces of seafood per week from species such as salmon, herring, sardines, and trout to fulfil the recommended consumption of DHA and EPA and to minimise the risks to methyl mercury. 

DHA can also be found in food products such dairy and omega-3-enriched eggs, which contain trace quantities of DHA.

Foods with high DHA: 

  • Salmon
  • Herring
  • Sardines
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Oysters
  • Shrimp
  • Lobster
Source: Unsplash

How Many DHA Intakes Should You Take?

Many specialists now advocate including a DHA supplement in your daily schedule, especially if your diet does not provide appropriate quantities. 

The finest prenatal vitamins, as per OB/GYN, include at least 200 mg of DHA, and you should begin taking prenatal vitamins with DHA at least 3 months prior trying to conceive, so you can reap the medical benefits as soon as your pregnancy test is positive. 

We also recommend speaking with your doctor, as they may have a supplement that they want you to take.

Best DHA Supplements in Singapore

1. Zahler Mighty Mini Prenatal + DHA

We recommend this Zahler Prenatal + DHA. It contains 300 mg of DHA and is a good supplement to add if you already consume dietary omega-3. The tablet is a squishy gel, making it simple to chew, and it contains a good quantity of D3 to strengthen the immune system and tissues.

Price: N/A

Where to buy: Zahler Official, Amazon 

2. Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA

Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin with DHA is a good all-in-one alternative for providing high-quality nutrients to both mommy and baby. This brand is well-known for providing higher and safe items at reasonable prices, helping you to save money for nutrient-dense foods. Many pregnant women like that it is a once-daily squishy jelly that is gluten-free and clean of artificial ingredients.

Price: $ 63.00

Where to buy: Shopee, Lazada

3. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA

The winner of Beauty Insider’s 2022 Beauty Awards, Nordic Naturals’ Prenatal DHA is a pure and fresh supply of the omega-3 fatty acids that your growing baby requires for brain and nervous system development, as well as a healthy pregnancy for you. Prenatal DHA meets the recommended daily intake of omega-3 DHA for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and it also contains 400 IU of vitamin D3 for immune support.

Price: Starts from $ 57.64

Where to buy: Shopee, Lazada, Watsons

4. Nordic Naturals Algae Omega

Good news for vegan moms-to-be. The Algae Omega supplement is another product from the Nordic Naturals brand. This algae-based supplement contains 715 mg of total omega-3s, including 390 mg of DHA derived from algal oil.

Price: Starts from $ 41.93

Where to buy: Watsons

5. Biolsland Pregnancy DHA 

This BioIsland supplement contains DHA-rich oil derived from organic sea algae and is safe to take throughout pregnancy and nursing. This supplement is required for the expansion and maturation of the brain throughout the foetal and neonatal phases, as well as for newborn cognitive performance. It is safe for moms to use throughout pregnancy and nursing.

Price: Starts from $ 27.50

Where to buy: Shopee, Lazada

5. Wiley’s Finest Wild Alaskan Fish Oil – Prenatal Mini DHA

Specially formulated to provide 600mg of DHA and 120mg of EPA Omega-3s each day in two easy-to-swallow softgels. Prenatal DHA offers adequate nutrition prior, throughout, and even after pregnancy, and might even aid in the growth of the embryo (and nursing) infant’s brain, eye, and nerves. The softgels are unflavored and contain only the freshest Fish Oil, making them gentle on a pregnant woman’s sensitive stomach.

Price: Starts from $ 30.00

Where to buy: Shopee, Lazada

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