Q+A: What's the Benefit of DHA- and EPA-Fortified Foods?

Q. I've seen a lot of foods fortified with DHA and EPA in the supermarket lately. What's the benefit?

A. DHA and EPA, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, help prevent heart disease and may protect brain function. And if you're expecting, they're crucial for your baby's brain development. Unfortunately, most people don't get enough. To get your fix, it's best to go straight to the source, says Parents advisor Connie Diekman, RD, president of the American Dietetic Association. "Most fortified products won't provide enough to meet the daily suggested amount of 500mg, but they're a good supplement," she says. Aim to eat two 4-ounce servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, a week (that's a safe amount for moms-to-be). Not a fish fan? Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian if fortified foods will work for you.

Copyright © 2008. Used with permission from the May 2008 issue of Parents magazine.

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