Newswise — Soccer star and new mom Mia Hamm has teamed up with the Society for Women's Health Research to remind women about three nutrients that are vital to the health of their babies: folic acid, calcium with vitamin D and DHA omega-3, an essential fatty acid and building block of infant nutrition that may promote a healthy pregnancy and prevent late preterm birth.
Hamm is featured in television and radio public service announcements that will begin airing nationwide in February. DHA is now included in most infant formulas, as Hamm notes in the announcements: "Your baby gets DHA through breast milk but she can also get it in more than 90 percent of infant formulas. So you can feel good knowing you're giving your baby what she really needs."
In addition to the public service announcements, the campaign features a Web site, http://www.TheBig3.org, where women can learn more about these three nutrients.
The campaign comes on the heels of a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that says too few American women are consuming enough folic acid, especially those between the ages of 18-24 who account for nearly a third of all U.S. births.* The CDC says women should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily through supplements, fortified foods, or both, in addition to a folate-rich diet to prevent serious birth defects.
"The nutrition of women and children is closely intertwined," said Jo Parrish, vice president of communications for the Society. "We hope this campaign will remind young women that they need to take care of their own nutrition and the nutrition of their current and future children. As a young mom and role model for millions of American women and girls, we're confident Mia Hamm can help us reach new audiences with this important message."
Hamm, who retired from soccer in 2004 after leading the United States to a second Olympic gold medal, gave birth to twin girls in March 2007. The nutrition public education program is sponsored by the Society of Women's Health Research with support from Martek Biosciences Corporation.
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