Omega 3 fatty acids are essential in the diet and particularly important for pregnant women, as there is growing evidence that consuming adequate amounts may reduce the risk of the child developing metabolic problems, such as diabetes, later in life. Fatty fish is the best source and many pregnant women choose to take fish oil supplements. However, caution is advised, say a group of scientists from the University of Auckland's Liggins Institute.
Fish oil oxidises and turns rancid more easily than other oils, as it is chemically unstable. In 2015, institute researchers tested 32 products and found that more than half exceeded the recommended levels of oxidation. The question that remained was how much that matters for the pregnant women who may be taking them.
An animal-based study was conducted. Pregnant rats were given fish oil in a range of doses and oxidization. All the animals were healthy during pregnancy and the pups looked well when they were born, says paediatric endocrinologist Ben Albert. But in the group that received human-relevant doses of highly oxidised oil, 6% of the offspring died within the first two days of life.
The theory is that the rancid oil may have affected the quality or volume of the mother's milk, although that isn't known for sure at this point.
So, how can consumers tell whether a fish oil supplement they are buying is fresh? "To be honest, I think you can't tell," says Albert. "Oxidised oil doesn't necessarily smell any different and often flavourings have been added. In an earlier study, we looked at whether the price of the oil, best-before date and country of origin made a difference, and it really didn't."
Esta historia es de la edición August 27 - September 2, 2022 de New Zealand Listener.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 27 - September 2, 2022 de New Zealand Listener.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.