Pregnant women are concerned about the health of their babies and tend to strictly adhere to the diet indicated by doctors. What not all of them know is about the composition of foods, such as breast milk, for example, and why it is so essential to your child's life.
Among the substances present in milk we have some that are little known, such as arachidonic acid, which is fundamental for the development of fetuses and babies. Let's see why.
A pregnant woman already supplies this acid through the placenta, and after the baby is born she continues to supply it through her milk. The importance of this partnership can be proven when premature birth occurs (before completing 9 months), the inconvenience prevents the mother from transferring the acid to her child until the full gestation period. And the picture can get worse if the premature child is not fed with breast milk.
Chemical structure of arachidonic acid
Lack of arachidonic acid is denoted in premature babies through visual problems, physical disabilities (mental paralysis, difficulties in standing) and growth retardation (smaller babies).
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team
Chemistry Curiosities - Chemistry - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/acido-araquidonico-na-gravidez.htm
