5 ways plant-based DHA oil supports maternal nutrition

• A Cochrane review of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) recommendations shows that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) lowered the risk of having a preterm baby by 11%, and an early preterm baby by 42%.¹
• When it comes to meeting mother’s preferences for maternal nutrition, there is a growing need for solutions that meet expectations for convenience, smaller capsule sizes and trustworthy plant-based ingredients that support optimal maternal and infant nutrition.
• dsm-firmenich’s high-potency DHA oil life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS, is a plant-based omega-3 that offers mom’s peace of mind throughout pregnancy and beyond as a sustainable alternative to fish oil, cultivated in a protected environment with no risk of harmful contaminants.

Giving mom’s peace of mind with life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS

If you speak to expectant moms about what matters most to them during their pregnancy, there are several topics that often rise to the top of the list. From keeping active and eating well to maintaining optimal mental and physical wellbeing, to stocking up on baby clothes, toys and nursery furniture – there is certainly a lot to think about! But one point most moms tend to agree on is that their primary goal is to give their child the best start in life.

At dsm-firmenich, we’re committed to supporting manufacturers in developing high-quality, reliable DHA solutions that can help give pregnant women and moms peace of mind, helping to shape healthier futures.

The latest addition to dsm-firmenich’s nutritional lipids portfolio is life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS – the only 550 mg/g natural triglyceride DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) intended for use in maternal nutrition.

Here, we share 5 ways life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS provides essential pre-natal nutrition for mom and baby.

1. Putting safety first

For women looking to get pregnant, those already pregnant or breastfeeding, life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS can offer an effective and safe dosage of high-quality DHA to support both mom and baby’s health. Providing the same health benefits as fish oil, this high-quality DHA oil is made with ingredients that are non-GM, kosher and halal in origin. It is also free of ocean-borne contaminants like mercury.

2. Suitable for plant-based diets

Plant-based, vegetarian and vegan diets have made it to the mainstream and life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS supports moms who are looking for nutritional solutions that meet their dietary preferences. 100% plant-based, this innovative ingredient is made up of schizochytrium algae that is grown in a controlled environment and so doesn’t come into contact with any harmful contaminants. It also has a neutral taste – a big advantage for mothers who are put off by the fishy aftertaste that can be associated with fish oil.

3. Convenience is key

When it comes to choosing supplements to support optimal nutrition during pregnancy, convenience is key, and capsules and tablets that are easy to swallow are the preferred format for consumers. Because of its high potency, life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS manufacturers can offer the same levels of DHA in smaller capsules, ensuring that consumers can receive the targeted health benefit in a single, convenient dose.

4. Supporting full-term pregnancy

A Cochrane review of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) recommendations shows that DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) lowered the risk of having a preterm baby by 11%, and an early preterm baby by 42%.² The most effective doses were shown to be between 500 mg and 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA per day, where at least 500 mg is DHA.³ With 550 mg/g of DHA, life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS can help support full-term birth and reduce the risk of preterm birth. Also, importantly for moms, omega-3s have been shown to support mood balance during and after pregnancy – just another way life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS can help give moms peace of mind.

5. A trusted source

High quality trusted ingredients are an important driver of choice for moms, with 39% of women preferring to choose a product from a trusted brand.⁴ Backed by science and DSM’s heritage in maternal and infant nutrition solutions, life’sDHA® SF55-O200DS can offer moms peace of mind when choosing an omega-3 based supplement. The science-led, consumer driven ingredient is a safe, reliable and high-quality form of DHA omega-3 that makes it easy for manufacturers to incorporate it into existing supplements or products.

Partner with dsm-firmenich and discover how together we can continue supporting moms and babies with trusted, reliable and effective nutritional solutions for early life.