New Omega-3 Prenatal Ingredient Has Same Ratio of EPA to DHA as Mother’s Milk

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Rinelle

Omega-3 ingredients supplier KD Pharma (Bexbach, Germany) has launched KD Smart, a prenatal omega-3 oil formulated with the same ratio of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA contained in mother’s milk.

Specifically, the ingredient contains a 1:4 ratio of EPA:DHA. “KD Smart is an important product for us,” said Rene Kamminga, vice president, nutrition, KD Pharma, in a press release. “DHA plays a critical role in eye and cognitive health starting right from early development and continuing on throughout life. This particular product is designed to ensure expecting or nursing mothers receive sufficient DHA for both themselves and their growing baby.”

The company cites studies showing that DHA is especially needed during gestation and says the buildup of DHA in the infant’s brain, eye retina, and throughout the body happens most rapidly from gestation through the age of two. Because the body does not produce significant levels of DHA or EPA, supplementation during the prenatal stage is crucial, it adds.

Earlier this year, Nutritional Outlook reported on a recent meta-analysis concluding that prenatal omega-3 fatty acid consumption may help prevent preterm delivery. The study was published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology.

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Jennifer Grebow
Editor-in-Chief
Nutritional Outlook magazine
jennifer.grebow@ubm.com