Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and food allergy

Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation may decrease the risk of infant allergy

The reported increase in the incidence of allergic diseases over the last decade has prompted a number of research studies aimed at identifying treatments and potential strategies of prevention. Now, a new study published in Acta Pediatrica by researchers from the Linkoping University (Sweden), suggests that Maternal intake of omega-3 (through fish iol supplementation) may decrease the risk of food allergy and eczemas during the first year of life in infants with a family history of allergic disease.

To conduct the study, the swedish researchers recruited one hundred and forty-five pregnant women, affected by allergy themselves or having a husband or previous child with allergies. Half of the women received the supplementation (omega-3 fatty acid, corresponds to a meal of approximately 100 g salmon daily) during pregancy (25th week of gestation onwards) and lactation (first 3-4 months of breastfeeding), whereas the other half received placebo (a daily capsule  for the same period.

Their results showed that the risk of developing food allergy in the first year of life was reduced 10 times in the children whose mother received the supplements. The prevalence of eczemas was also lower for the children whose mothers received the supplements. These results highlight the importance of an appropriate nutrient intake of omega-3 during pregnancy, but please not that you should never take any dietary supplements and undergo dietary changes – especially during pregnancy and lactation – without consulting a health professional.

For more information: Furuhjelm C, Warstedt K, Larsson J, Fredriksson M, Böttcher MF, Fälth-Magnusson K, Duchén K . 2009. Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation may decrease the risk of infant allergy. Acta Paediatr.

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