What developmental benefit does DHA supplementation in pregnancy provide?

DHA, or dokosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in fetal development, particularly in the development of the brain and eyes. Research indicates that adequate levels of DHA during pregnancy are associated with enhanced cognitive and visual outcomes in infants. The increase in omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, in a mother's diet supports the formation and functionality of neural tissues and retinal structures in the developing fetus.

This specific benefit underscores the importance of ensuring that pregnant individuals obtain sufficient DHA through diet or supplementation. While other options may seem pertinent to maternal health in various contexts, they do not directly encapsulate the essential role that DHA plays in the specific developmental processes related to the baby's eye and brain development.