Martek Biosciences, March of Dimes partner to advocate DHA supplementation

COLUMBIA, Md. Martek Biosciences Corp. on Wednesday partnered with the March of Dimes to promote the importance of supplementing with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

“We’re pleased to support the March of Dimes in their efforts to raise awareness of DHA-omega-3 fatty acids as part of a program to support healthy pregnancies and healthy babies,” stated Steve Dubin, Martek CEO.

The March of Dimes recommends that pregnant women consume at least 200 milligrams of DHA daily to help support fetal brain and eye development. After the baby is born, DHA omega-3 fatty acids consumed through breastfeeding may also help support mental, visual and motor skill development.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in certain types of fish, nuts and vegetable oils. However, DHA is present naturally in specific fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and tuna, as well as algal oil, organ meats and breast milk. Pregnant or nursing women or those planning a pregnancy should eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury content fish.

For women who are vegetarians, or who have safety concerns about fish, foods fortified with DHA or a multivitamin or supplement containing at least 200 milligrams of DHA are suggested alternatives.

The new March of Dimes awareness effort is supported by a three-year agreement with Martek Biosciences Corp. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Its mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Martek Biosciences Corp. produces life'sDHA, a vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, for use in foods, beverages, infant formula, and supplements, and life'sARA (arachidonic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid, for use in infant formula.