DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, is crucial for the nervous system, brain, vision, and bone health of humans. For pregnant women, supplementing DHA is essential. Explore the TOP 15 best DHA supplements for pregnant women recommended in 2023 by Mytour Blog.
What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential unsaturated fatty acid belonging to the Omega-3 group, commonly found in cold-water fish, tuna, salmon...
DHA plays a crucial role in the development of eye tissues and nerves. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease and control cholesterol levels. Additionally, DHA enhances memory and cognitive development, helping infants and young children avoid various eye conditions and other health issues. The human body often cannot produce enough DHA, so it is commonly recommended during pregnancy.
DHA is a recommended fatty acid during pregnancy (Source: Internet)What are the benefits of supplementing DHA for pregnant women?
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in the development of the fetal brain and vision. Supplementing DHA for expectant mothers has the following effects:
- Enhances fetal brain development: DHA is a vital structural component of the brain, constituting about 60% of its weight. It helps form nerve cells, supports the development of nerve neurons, enhances the learning, memory, and cognition of the fetus.
- Develops fetal vision: DHA is an essential structural component of the retina, aiding in the formation and development of fetal vision. Supplementing DHA for expectant mothers helps infants have better vision after birth.
- Reduces the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight: DHA enhances the health of the fetal membrane, promoting healthy fetal development and reducing the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Reduces the risk of preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy condition that can lead to maternal and fetal death. Supplementing DHA for expectant mothers helps reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.
- Enhances maternal health: DHA improves mood, reduces maternal stress and fatigue. Additionally, DHA boosts cardiovascular health and the immune system of expectant mothers.
Ways to supplement DHA for expectant mothers to ensure the health of both mother and baby
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, pregnant women should supplement with 100-200mg of DHA per day. Expectant mothers can supplement DHA through food or dietary supplements:
- Consume DHA-rich foods such as: Seafood, salmon, chicken eggs, various nuts, green vegetables... However, pay attention to the source and quality of food, avoiding excessive consumption of fish containing mercury or other harmful substances.
- Take DHA supplements: These can be standalone DHA supplements or multivitamin tablets with added DHA. These supplements can help expectant mothers meet their DHA needs when they cannot consume enough DHA-rich foods. However, it is important to choose supplements with clear sources, high quality, and recommended by a doctor.
- Drink prenatal milk containing DHA or fish oil: These are products that can provide DHA for mothers and babies easily and conveniently. However, it is also important to pay attention to the dosage and source of the product.
Top 15 Recommended DHA Supplements for Expectant Mothers
The best DHA supplements for expectant mothers recommended in 2023:
1. PM Procare Diamond DHA and EPA Supplement Capsules
- Benefits: PM Procare Diamond capsules, originating from Australia, provide essential Omega-3 and DHA needed for pregnant and breastfeeding women daily. The product supports comprehensive brain development for fetuses and infants, reduces the risk of preterm birth, and enhances maternal health and breast milk quality.
- Ingredients: DHA, Omega-3, EPA, folic acid, zinc, iodine, calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin A, vitamin B1, iron for pregnant women.
- Usage: Take 1 capsule daily and follow the doctor's instructions.
- Reference Price: 360,000 VND/box of 30 capsules.
2. Elevit Supplement Capsules with Vitamins and Minerals
- Benefits: Elevit supplements originate from France and provide essential nutrients for pregnancy such as folic acid, iron, vitamins, and synthetic minerals. The product enhances immunity and nutrient absorption capacity. Additionally, the tablets supply adequate nutrients for fetal brain development and other organs.
- Ingredients: Folic acid, iron, iodine, selenium, magnesium, vitamin D, B-group vitamins…
- Dosage: Take 1 tablet daily. Start one month before planning to conceive and continue throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Reference Price: 360,000 VND/box of 30 tablets.
3. Doppelherz Omega 3 Supplement Capsules with DHA and EPA
- Benefits: Doppelherz Omega 3 capsules originate from Germany and supplement essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals necessary for pregnant women. The product supports comprehensive fetal brain development. Additionally, it helps the skin become smooth, healthy, and reduces the risk of stretch marks during pregnancy.
- Ingredients: Natural fish oil, DHA, Omega-3, EPA, Folic acid, Vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12…
- Usage: Take 2 capsules once daily, after a meal and do not chew.
- Reference Price: 280,000 VND/box of 30 capsules.
4. Morinaga DHA Supplement Tablets
- Benefits: This is a product from Japan, which promotes comprehensive brain, nervous system, and macula development of the fetus. Additionally, the tablets support enhancing the quality of breast milk and reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
- Ingredients: Pure fish oil, DHA, carbohydrate, lipid, sodium, gelatin, glycerin, vitamin E, collagen…
- Usage: Take 3 tablets daily, divided into 3 doses.
- Reference Price: 300,000 VND/pack of 90 tablets.
5. DHA Capsules for Pregnant Women by Bio Island
- Benefits: Bio Island's DHA capsules, manufactured in Australia, have the ability to enhance the immune system, brain development, cardiovascular health, and macula for the fetus.
- Ingredients: DHA from Schizochytrium microalgae…
- Usage: Women preparing for pregnancy and those less than 10 weeks pregnant should take 1 capsule daily. Pregnant women from 10 to 36 weeks and breastfeeding mothers should take 2-3 capsules daily.
- Reference Price: 500,000 VND/box of 60 capsules.
6. Nature Made DHA and Folic Acid Supplement Tablets
- Function: Nature Made supplements from the US, are capable of providing essential vitamins and minerals for women preparing for pregnancy and pregnant women. Additionally, the product enhances the immune system, lowers cholesterol, protects the heart, prevents the risk of preterm birth and miscarriage.
- Ingredients: DHA, Omega-3, EPA, calcium, zinc, iron, folic acid, biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B6…
- Usage: Take 1 tablet after breakfast.
- Reference Price: 720,000 VND/box of 150 tablets.
7. Olimp Labs Gold DHA Capsules
- Function: Olimp Labs Gold DHA Capsules, originating from Poland, support the comprehensive development of the fetal brain, enhance cognitive abilities, and vision. The product also helps reduce the risk of fetal defects and limits postpartum depression.
- Ingredients: Natural fish oil rich in DHA, folic acid…
- Usage: Take 1-2 capsules daily after a main meal.
- Reference Price: Approximately 480,000 VND/box of 30 capsules.
8. Healthy Care Fish Oil Omega-3 1000mg Capsules
- Function: Healthy Care Fish Oil Capsules, originating from Australia, provide essential DHA and EPA for pregnant women, while supporting memory enhancement, cardiovascular protection, and immune system improvement.
- Ingredients: Natural fish oil, omega-3, EPA, DHA…
- Usage: Adults take 3 capsules divided into 3 doses daily after meals. Children take 1-2 capsules per day. Children under 6 years old should only use under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Reference Price: 560,000 VND/box of 400 capsules.
9. Beanstalkmom Prenatal DHA Supplements
- Function: Beanstalkmom supplements, originating from Japan, provide nutritional support for pregnant women, enhance the immune system, and protect the body. Additionally, the product improves the quality of breast milk, promotes brain, nervous system, and macular development for infants.
- Ingredients: Pure fish oil, DHA, vitamin E, gelatin, glycerin…
- Usage: Take 3 capsules daily before meals.
- Reference Price: 290,000 VND/package of 90 capsules.
10. Avisure Mama DHA Supplements
- Function: Avisure Mama DHA supplements are a product manufactured in Vietnam, providing DHA, EPA, and essential vitamins and minerals to support women's health and immunity before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Ingredients: Natural fish oil, DHA, EPA, Iron, nano calcium HA, vitamin C, zinc sulfate, magnesium oxide, vitamin B3, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B1, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin K2, selenium, biotin…
- Usage: Take 2 capsules daily, including 1 Avisure Mama Multi and 1 Avisure Mama Hi-Q.
- Reference Price: 325,000 VND/box of 60 capsules.
11. Nature’s Way Odourless Fish Oil DHA Softgels
- Function: Nature’s Way Odourless Fish Oil DHA Softgels, originating from Australia, support comprehensive brain development for the fetus. Additionally, the product improves skin condition and reduces the risk of stretch marks during pregnancy.
- Ingredients: Contains natural fish oil, DHA, EPA, Omega-3…
- Usage: For children aged 2 – 12: Take 1 capsule daily. Adults maintaining health: Take 2 capsules daily. Pregnant women: Take 2 capsules daily.
- Reference Price: 490,000 VND/box of 200 softgels.
12. Pigeon Prenatal DHA Supplements
- Function: Pigeon is a brand originating from Japan, and its supplements enhance brain development, improve cognitive abilities and memory retention in children, and support calcium absorption for strong bones.
- Ingredients: Purified fish oil, DHA, gelatin, glycerin, vitamin D, vitamin E, soybean…
- Usage: Take 2 capsules daily, divided into 2 doses after meals.
- Reference Price: 360,000 VND/pack of 60 capsules.
13. DHC Prenatal DHA Supplements
- Function: The Japanese brand DHC is well-known, and its prenatal DHA supplements not only provide DHA and EPA for pregnant women but also reduce cholesterol, improve brain function, and lower the risk of stroke.
- Ingredients: Pure fish oil, EPA, DHA, vitamin E,…
- Usage: Take 4 capsules daily.
- Reference Price: 285,000 VND/pack of 60 capsules.
14. Akamama DHA and EPA Prenatal Supplements
- Purpose: Akamama supplements from Japan are designed to provide DHA and EPA, supporting the development of the nervous system and vision of the fetus.
- Ingredients: EPA, DHA, vitamin E…
- Usage: Take 3 capsules daily, after dinner.
- Reference Price: 350,000 VND/pack of 90 capsules.
15. Blackmores Omega Daily Concentrated Fish Oil Capsules
- Purpose: Blackmores fish oil capsules, originating from Australia, support comprehensive brain development for fetuses and infants, protect cardiovascular health, and improve the skin of pregnant women.
- Ingredients: Natural fish oil, DHA, Omega-3, EPA…
- Usage: Adults take 1 capsule daily after meals. Children aged 6-12 take 1 capsule daily. Children aged 2-6 should consult a doctor before use.
- Reference Price: 700,000 VND/pack of 90 capsules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foods rich in DHA include:
– Various types of fish such as salmon, carp, tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout, shark, etc.
– Egg yolks.
– Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, bok choy, etc.
– Seeds: flaxseeds, chia seeds, etc.
DHA deficiency in pregnant women may lead to the following consequences:
– Increased risk of preterm birth and preeclampsia.
– Negative impact on postpartum mood and potential for depression.
– Influence on the learning ability and behavior of newborns.
– Contributing to menopausal issues, osteoporosis, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Pregnant women can take DHA at any time of the day, including evening. However, for optimal DHA absorption, it's recommended to take it with fats. Therefore, pregnant women can take DHA capsules with meals or 30 minutes after eating.
Pregnant women should aim for at least 200 mg of DHA before, during, and after pregnancy. Currently, most products recommend a DHA dose of 200 mg.
We hope the article has provided you with valuable information about DHA supplementation for pregnant women. Don't forget to visit Mytour - the leading e-commerce platform to enjoy amazing offers!