Fish Oil for a Healthy Baby


It is our responsibility to provide a healthy environment for our children, and this begins before birth. A pregnant woman is the first environment of her child.

The Environmental Working Group study of 2005 tested the umbilical cord blood of 10 newborns. The study found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in the blood. Of the 287 chemicals tested, 180 are known to cause cancer in humans or animals, and 217 are toxic to the human brain and nervous system.

Several of the chemicals found in the cord blood are toxins we are familiar with, including:

  • BPA
  • Perchlorate
  • PCBs
  • Lead
  • Mercury

(For more information on these chemicals, see my blog posts from this past November and February.)

Pregnant mothers and their babies need DHA, found in fish oil. DHA is important for proper brain development of the babies. Many women follow the government guidelines and eat 3 oz of fish four times a week. Unfortunately, women often choose canned fish. Almost all cans are lined with BPA, which seeps into the food. We are just beginning to see cans that state they are BPA free.

Pregnant women must choose their source of DHA from a high quality fish oil supplement. They should not choose fish from a can or fish from the ocean (they often have high concentrations of mercury or other toxins). Knowing the supplement brand and the source of the fish oil (the kind of fish it comes from) is highly recommended. I can help you find the best fish oil for you!

News Update! A follow-up to the February 21st blog post, “Spring Cleaning: Wash Your Hands of BPA” … New Pioneer Coop now uses BPA-free receipt paper in their cash registers. Let’s suggest that other retailers do the same!

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