Enfamil Expecta Lipid DHA supplement is a supplemental vitamin created by the Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company, and is intended for use by pregnant women in conjunction with their prenatal vitamins. Expecta is intended to provide your baby with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid normally found in fish that may support the brain and eye health of your baby while you are pregnant or nursing.

Dose

Enfamil Expecta Lipid DHA comes as a soft gel pill. According to the National Library of Medicine, pregnant women are recommended to take one pill daily with a meal, and Expecta can be taken with your daily prenatal vitamin. The meal you choose does not matter, but if you experience enhanced morning sickness when you take Expecta at breakfast, try taking it later in the day. Expecta contains 200 mg of DHA per pill, out of a recommended dose of 300 mg daily. Other sources of DHA include eggs, fish and shellfish, but the average American only gets 50 mg of DHA a day and many pregnant women fear eating fish while they are pregnant due to mercury content.

Considerations

The claims on its label that Enfamil Expecta Lipid DHA may support brain and eye health have not been investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, according to the FDA, there are independent case studies that suggest that DHA may have positive effects on fetus and infant development. A long chain of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA, are known to collect in the brain and eyes of the fetus, but so many mothers do not get enough DHA that a supplement helps supply these necessary fatty acids. Expecta is not intended for use as a treatment for or prevention of any diseases or disorders, and according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine you should consult your doctor before starting an Expecta regiment. Store Enfamil Expecta Lipid DHA in a cool dry place, away from sunlight and out of reach from children.

Warnings

According to the Physicians' Desk Reference, anyone considering a DHA should supplement should consult with their doctor first, especially if you suffer from a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, high blood pressure or a blood vessel disease, or if you taking other prescription medicines. Side effects from taking Enfamil Expecta Lipid DHA are rare, according to eMedTV.com, but can include nausea, vomiting and gas. If you experience extreme side effects, or other side effects known to be associated with DHA such as breathing problems, chest pains, swelling or itching, stop using Expecta immediately and contact your healthcare provider.

Source:

Food and Drug Administration

National Library of Medicine

Enfamil

Resource:

Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company