Question

The patient remarks that she has heard some foods will enhance brain development of the fetus. The nurse replies that foods high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are thought to enhance brain development. What food can the nurse recommend?

1) Fried fish
2) Olive oil
3) Red meat
4) Leafy green vegetables

Answer 1

For enhancing fetal brain development, the nurse can recommend the consumption of seafood, which is rich in DHA. Fried fish may contain DHA, but healthier methods of preparation are advisable. Other good sources of DHA include fish oils, seaweed, and algae.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse can recommend foods high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to enhance brain development of the fetus. Among the listed options, fried fish could be a source of DHA, particularly if it is salmon, trout, or tuna. However, it's important to note that fried foods can contain unhealthy fats and it is generally healthier to consume fish that is not fried. Olive oil, red meat, and leafy green vegetables do not provide significant amounts of DHA.

Instead, seafood is considered a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, which are crucial for fetal brain development. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming 8 ounces of a variety of seafood each week for sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids. It is also worth mentioning sources like fish oils, seaweed, and algae as they are also rich in DHA. Moreover, while EPA and DHA can be synthesized from ALA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) found in plant sources, direct consumption of DHA from fish or supplements may be more beneficial, as the conversion rate from ALA to DHA is limited.