Several studies have recently reported the benefits of pregnant women taking fish oil supplements for babies’ intellectual development. Now, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Western Australia’s School of Pediatrics and Child Health, reports that high doses of fish oil (2.2 grams of docosahexaenoic acid-DHA and 1.1 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA) per day may result in improved hand-eye coordination in children at 2 ½ years.
“Although the underlying mechanism is not understood, DHA is known to facilitate rapid phototransduction in the retinal membrane, and deficiencies are associated with reduced retinal function in infant primates,” the researchers wrote in the study.
“Furthermore, effects on visual evoked potential could indicate that DHA may also have an effect on the development of the visual cortex.”
More studies need to be conducted to verify these findings. The researchers found no negative effects on children born to women who supplement their diets while pregnant with fish oil supplements.