When you're pregnant, you want to give your baby the best start in life. Eating healthy, getting rest, and taking your prenatal vitamins are all important. But did you know that Omega-3 fatty acids are also key to your baby’s brain and eye development?
Most moms hear about fish oil as the go-to source of Omega-3. But there’s something even better – Seal Oil Omega-3. Yes, you read that right. And here's why it might be the best Omega-3 for pregnancy in Canada.
Why Omega 3 Is Important During Pregnancy
Omega 3 fatty acids help with your baby’s brain, eye, and nerve development. That’s why Health Canada allows products with enough DHA to say they help support the normal development of the brain, eyes, and nerves in children up to 12 years of age, when taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Most prenatal vitamins include DHA, which is one part of Omega 3. But there are three main types you should know:
1. DHA - supports mental & eye health
2. EPA - reduces the risk of heart disease
3. DPA - enhance effect of DHA & EPA
Fish oil usually has DHA and EPA. Seal oil gives you all three—including DPA, which is often missing but very important.
What Is DPA and Why Does It Matter?
DPA is a rare Omega 3 that works with DHA and EPA to support health. According to a study in Nutrition Reviews (Lemke et al., 2010), DPA helps your body use Omega 3 more effectively. It may also support heart health and help reduce inflammation, which is helpful for both mom and baby.
Fish oil has almost no DPA, but seal oil is naturally rich in DPA.
Where Seal Oil Comes From
The seals used for Omega 3 are harvested from the pristine Arctic Ocean, far away from pollution. The oil is made in Canada under strict health rules. Many seal oil products are also sourced by Indigenous communities, who use traditional and sustainable harvesting practices.
Seal Oil vs Fish Oil: Which Is Better for Pregnancy?
Let’s compare.
|
What You Get |
Fish Oil |
Seal Oil |
|
DHA and EPA |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DPA |
Very little |
Rich in DPA |
|
Absorption |
May vary |
Easy to absorb |
|
Fishy aftertaste |
Often |
Rare |
|
Reflux or burping |
Common |
Less likely |
|
Canadian source |
Sometimes |
Often local and Arctic-sourced |
Because seals are mammals, their Omega 3 fats are closer to the fats in your own body. This means they are easier to absorb, and you may get more benefits from the same amount.
Also, many pregnant women say seal oil is gentler on the stomach. It does not cause fishy burps or reflux like some fish oils do. This is especially helpful during early pregnancy when nausea is common.
Is Seal Oil Safe?
Yes. In Canada, all Omega 3 products must be approved by Health Canada. Look for a product with a Natural Product Number (NPN). This means the product is reviewed for safety, quality, and correct labeling.
To make the claim about helping with brain and eye development, the product must also have at least 100 mg of DHA per daily dose.
Why More Moms in Canada Are Choosing Seal Oil
Seal oil is:
1. A full-spectrum Omega 3 (includes DHA, EPA, and DPA)
2. Easy to absorb
3. Less likely to cause stomach upset or fishy burps
4. Canadian-made from the clean Arctic Ocean
5. Harvested with care and sustainability
If you're looking for an Omega 3 that helps support your baby’s development and feels better in your body, seal oil is a smart and natural choice.