You’ve heard the rumors — but are they true? Let’s break down whether Omega-3s are good for pregnancy and why, according to those who’ve done the research.
The background
First, let’s start with the basics. GLX3 is a mussel oil supplement rich in Omega-3s, a family of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which are important nutrients for development and good health.
There are 3 main categories of Omega 3 fatty acids: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) found in plant foods and supplements like chia seeds and flaxseed, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) present mostly in animal sources like oily fish. A few of the best Omega 3 foods for pregnancy include Green Lipped Mussels from New Zealand, trout, mackerel, and salmon.
Benefits from eating fish with low contaminants and high Omega-3 contents, such as salmon, trout ,and sardines, or supplementing them with an Omega-3 supplement such as GLX3, far outweigh possible risks even during pregnancy.
Benefits of Omega-3s for pregnant women
Before we go any further, it is important to point out that high Mercury levels are not advisable during pregnancy.
This does not necessarily mean you need to avoid all fish during pregnancy, however. According to the New Zealand Food Safety department, predatorial fish tend to have higher levels of mercury than those lower down the food chain. If, at the advice of your doctor, you feel that Green Lipped Mussel Oil and tthe Omega-3s it provides can benefit your pregnancy, GLX3 can be a better alternative due to two primary factors:
- Due to its remote location and stringent government regulation, the oceans around New Zealand tend to be cleaner than those in other parts of the world.
- Combine this with the relatively short lifespan of harvested mussels, and there simply isn’t much — if any — mercury in our product. Fish oils from wild fish with longer life spans, such as salmon, tend to accumulate more mercury than harvested mussel oil.
Omega-3s are also used post birth for making breast milk. With every subsequent pregnancy, women are further depleted of these nutrients, but Green Lipped Mussel Oil can help by replenishing the ETA(Eicosapentaenoic acid) in your body. EPA is found in Green Lipped Mussel Oil but not other types of fish oil, so not only are you getting an Omega-3 source that is free of the high mercury levels plaguing wild fish, but you’re preventing inflammation throughout your body in the process.
The coolest thing about this is that by adding EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to your diet you can help replenish the Omega-3s your body needs to stay healthy. Combine this with the healthy, all-natural New Zealand Olive Oil and Vitamin E Oil in our supplement and, combined with a healthy diet and anything specific recommended by your doctor, your on track for well-balanced intake of essential vitamins and nutrients.
