Mums may want to boost their intake of omega-3 fish oils after a study found that they are beneficial for babies in the womb.
Researchers have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (Pufas), which include omega-3 fish oils, are good for both maternal and infant health, and for the immune system.
They found that low birth weight infants who took omega-3 DHA and an omega-6 called arachidonic acid tended to have improved cognition.
Dr Joyce Nettleton, editor of the electronic publications Fats of Life and Pufa Newsletter, commented: "This study provides additional evidence that the fatty acids an infant receives from the mother during pregnancy are critically important for brain development.
"If these findings are confirmed, they suggest that the long-chain Pufa content of preterm infant formula may need to be increased."
Dr Nettleton also commented on a separate study which looked at whether exposure to high levels of mercury during pregnancy affected babies while in the womb.
The study found that, despite increased exposure as a result of eating seafood during pregnancy, infants' high level of prenatal omega-3 was linked to greater birth weight and better mental development.
The editor said: "These studies do not justify ignoring contaminants in seafood, but they add to a large body of evidence that the benefits of eating most species of fish during pregnancy outweigh the risks."
According to the UK's Food Standards Agency, pregnant women can eat most types of fish but should be careful to limit their intake of shark, swordfish, marlin and tuna as these contain more mercury than other species.
Mums may want to boost their intake of omega-3 fish oils after a study found that they are beneficial for babies in the womb.
