Our Omega-3+ Capsules are more than just Omega-3s. We’ve combined clean and sustainably sourced DHA and EPA with three key ingredients - Choline, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin - that work together to support the health of both mama and baby. Here’s how our synergistic formula works, and why each component was thoughtfully included.
Mama
- Fertility
- Egg health
- Mood
- Hormone balance
- Healthy breast milk nutrient levels
- Emotional health
- Eye health
- Postpartum recovery
Baby
- Brain development
- Nerve development
- Full-term gestation
DHA and EPA
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are abundant in fish, but fish oils can vary greatly in quality, due to heavy metals content and risk of damaging oxidation.
We source our DHA and EPA from microalgae, a clean and sustainable alternative to fish. Eating algae is actually how fish accumulate their Omega-3, so our Omega-3+ Capsules get DHA and EPA straight from the source.
The American Pregnancy Association’s recommended 300mg per day of DHA, but research many women need or can benefit from more to support mood and emotional health. While there is no official recommendation for EPA in pregnancy, research has confirmed that adding EPA to the diet of pregnant women has a positive effect on mama’s health and on the visual and cognitive development of the baby. Two capsules of our Omega-3+ contain 400mg of DHA and 100mg of EPA.
Choline
Choline is critical in pregnancy for both mama and baby. Emerging research demonstrates synergistic interactions between Choline and DHA, indicating that insufficient intakes of one or both could have lifelong deleterious impacts on both maternal and infant health. Studies have shown that DHA supplementation significantly increased cellular Choline uptake in human cells compared to cultured cells without supplemental DHA, which demonstrates how DHA may impact Choline status.
The addition of 100 mg of Choline to our Omega-3+ Capsules helps ensure optimal absorption of DHA and Choline.
Note that most prenatal vitamins include only 55mg total of Choline. Our Prenatal Multi Powder is the only prenatal vitamin on the market to match the full RDA of 550 mg of Choline for nursing women. Our Prenatal Multi Capsules contain a supportive dose of 400 mg of Choline.
Since existing research suggests daily Choline intake above the RDA of 550mg is optimal (current studies point to 930mg), adding an additional 100 mg from the Omega-3+ Capsules to your perinatal nutrition plan can help you achieve optimal Choline status. Additional Choline can be obtained through diet or supplementation. The most abundant and common source of Choline is eggs - two daily provides an additional 320 mg of Choline.
In other words, our Prenatal Multi covers your baseline Choline needs in pregnancy and postpartum. Adding Choline through our Omega-3+ Capsules and two eggs daily provides an even more supportive amount of Choline for mama and baby, while also achieving optimal DHA intake and boosting absorption of both DHA and Choline.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids that act as antioxidants. They are abundant in vegetables, such as leafy greens, and in eggs.
Research has shown that higher maternal Lutein and Zeaxanthin intake during pregnancy was associated with better offspring verbal intelligence and behavior regulation ability in mid-childhood.
In addition, research published in the Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience has suggested that intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Choline was associated interactively, but not independently, with improved cognitive outcomes. Another example of nutrients working best together!
The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts
Incorporating optimal forms and doses of key nutrients is critical to the health of mama and baby, and to desired pregnancy outcomes. However, new research is showing that certain nutrients taken together can also improve the absorption and assimilation of the nutrients to further optimize health outcomes. The nutrient synergy in our Omega-3+ capsules demonstrates that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.
It is our goal at Needed to educate and empower ourselves with the most recent and relevant research to inform our decisions in developing products for optimal health. We also aim to educate and empower our readers and customers with trustworthy and reliable information so that you can feel informed in your decisions, and well in body and mind. Because you deserve to thrive, mama. Not just survive.
