Omega-3 Fatty Acids Benefit Women's Health

HEALTH NEWS

Omega-3 fatty acid intake can be a boon to women's health. According to researchers, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent preeclampsia, postpartum depression, menopausal problems, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and breast cancer, among other ailments in women.

The benefits of omega-3s apparently go even further. "An increased prostacyclin/thromboxane ratio induced by omega-3 fatty acids can facilitate pregnancy in women with fertility problems by increasing uterine blood flow," researchers noted. They added that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy can also lower the risk of premature birth and increase the length of pregnancy and birth weight. And, taking omega-3s during pregnancy and breast feeding may help the child's brain development.

Researchers also cited that omega-3 fatty acids can have a powerful impact on cardiovascular health. "Because elevated triglyceride levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, especially in women; and because omega-3 fatty acids have powerful effects on triglycerides, women in particular gain from an increased intake of these fatty acids. This is especially important in women receiving hormone therapy, which can increase triglyceride levels."

Source: Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 59(10):722-730, 2004