An international team of nutritionists and neuroscientists looked at how omega 3s affects rats during pregnancy. For the study, a group of rats were fed a diet that was lacking in omega 3 fatty acids. The offspring of these rats were then studied for neural deficiencies.
The infant rats seemed to be lacking a type of neuron, called a cannabinoid receptor. Without this receptor, many of the rats displayed signs of depression The researchers believe the same thing could happen to humans. This makes omega 3s an important factor in humans at every stage of growth and development.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in meat, fish, eggs, flaxseed oil and milk obtained from grass-fed cows. Eating a well rounded diet that is rich in these foods during pregnancy could be an important part of reducing a child’s later risk of developing depression. Childhood depression is a growing concern among many health care officials.
Omega 3s are a type of polyunsaturated fats that aid in brain development during pregnancy and in young children. Without this important fat, brain development seems to be limited in negative ways. – Summer, staff writer
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