Q&A: How DHA and Nurture Supplements Support You and Your Baby

Professor JohnsonDHA

So Mark, is it true that DHA supplementation improves neurodevelopment in preterm babies?

DHA-supplemented formulas have been shown to improve visual acuity in preterm infants. Additionally, we know that DHA is essential for brain development - 25% of the brain is made up of fatty acids, and half of that is DHA. Supplementing mums with DHA has been shown to promote the growth of DHA-rich areas of the baby’s brain, supporting healthy neurodevelopment.

Can DHA help reduce the risk of postpartum depression?

Yes - mums who are deficient in DHA are at a higher risk of mental health issues, including postpartum depression and anxiety. This has been proven by studies from the Middle East which highlighted that low DHA levels in both the blood and diet increase this risk.

Does DHA intake during pregnancy lower the risk of preeclampsia?

Having an adequate supply of DHA can help reduce the risk of preeclampsia, which is a common reason for early delivery. DHA has been shown to protect against both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm labour, including cases where preeclampsia is a factor.

Is there evidence that DHA reduces the chance of autism?

One study found that women reduced their risk of having an autistic child by 40% when supplemented with DHA. While more research is needed, these findings suggest a potentially significant role for DHA in reducing autism risk.

You mentioned a study showing a 40% reduction in autism risk. Could you tell us a bit more about that?

Of course, the study I’m referring to is the MARVEL study. It focused on women whose first child had autism and explored the risk of recurrence in their second child, which is typically higher if your first child is diagnosed. The study found that DHA supplementation reduced the likelihood of having a second child with autism by around 40%, highlighting the critical role DHA plays in neurodevelopment and maternal health.

Can DHA supplementation reduce the risk of preterm birth?

Yes, studies have consistently shown that DHA reduces the risk of preterm birth - both in spontaneous labour and medically indicated preterm delivery. Conditions like preeclampsia and foetal growth restrictions are examples of when a baby might need to be delivered early, and DHA helps to protect women from developing these. 

Can you explain how DHA is linked to reducing preterm birth?

DHA is essential for prolonging pregnancy, and research suggests it can extend gestation by about a week. For a baby at risk of being born before 30 weeks, this extra time can dramatically lower the risk of disabilities and even death. DHA helps reduce both spontaneous preterm labour and situations where doctors may need to induce early labour due to complications like preeclampsia - a severe condition involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine. DHA's role in extending pregnancy can have a profound, positive impact on outcomes for both mum and baby.

How was the connection between DHA and preterm birth first discovered?

DHA’s link to gestational length was first noticed in populations like those in the Faroe Islands, where the diet is heavily fish-based. Pregnancies there often last about 41 weeks, compared to the 40-week average elsewhere. Studies now suggest that having sufficient DHA in the diet can prolong pregnancy by roughly a week.

What are the benefits of prolonging pregnancy by a week?

While there's no inherent benefit to extending pregnancy to 41 weeks, preventing preterm birth is crucial. We’re good at inducing labour when necessary but not as effective at stopping premature labour. Having the right amount of DHA in your diet helps reduce this risk. If pregnancy goes on longer than needed, labour can be induced at the safest time, minimising risks for the baby.

Does Nurture have plans for its own research?

Absolutely. Research is a foundational principle for Nurture. Everything we promote is backed by existing evidence, and we plan to support and conduct further studies to ensure that our claims are scientifically sound. Following the research is at the heart of what we do.

For a little more information about our supplements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our expert team is here to help you make decisions about your pregnancy journey with confidence. Or if you’re ready to start your Nurture journey today, take our quick and easy food & lifestyle questionnaire. Because for the next 9 months, you’re sharing.