New research reveals that mums-to-be who take fish oil during pregnancy could protect their unborn baby from developing Eczema once it is born.

Tests showed  that children whose mothers took Omega 3 supplements during pregnancy, were a third less likely to go on to develop Eczema.

The placebo-controlled clinical trial took place at Adelaide University, where 706 women who had a history of allergies were studied. Australian scientists believe that the omega 3 fatty acids pass to the baby via the placenta and can affect the unborn baby’s immune system; protecting it against allergies such as Eczema.

Half the women in the test were given fish oil from when they reached  21 weeks pregnant and the other half were given vegetable oil.

The trial used Efalex® Mother & Baby, a nutritional supplement rich in the Omega-3 fatty acid Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This nutrient is particularly important for a baby’s development as in addition to being needed for the development of a healthy immune system as demonstrated here, it also supports healthy development of blood cells and vessels as well as constituting the building blocks of the brain, eyes and nervous system. 
 
The study revealed that:

-       36% less risk of developing  eczema condition which affects up to a fifth of children in the UK
-       38% less chance of being sensitised to egg allergy
-       50% less chance of having egg allergy

Dr Alex Richardson, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Evidence Based Intervention, University of Oxford, and co-founder of the UK charity Food and Behaviour Research, comments: “Most people in the UK consume less than the Government’s recommended daily intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and it is particularly vital to address this deficiency during pregnancy. Many previous studies have shown these omega-3 to be essential for the normal development and future health of the unborn baby, as well as the health of the mother. In this trial – the largest of its kind –supplementation during pregnancy led to highly significant reductions in many factors such as prematurity and low birth weight that can adversely affect children’s development and wellbeing over their lifetimes.”
 
“These latest findings now show that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy also led to dramatic reductions in the proportions of children suffering from either atopic eczema or allergic sensitisation to egg protein, confirming the importance of these nutrients for healthy immune system development. All expectant mums need to ensure a good dietary intake of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and seafood, and for any women who choose not to eat these foods, supplementation offers a safe and effective way to ensure an adequate supply.”


More research is needed to see if fish oils protect against asthma and hay fever. The Government advises pregnant women to eat no more than four portions of fish a week because of mercury poisoning.
 

Last Modified: 31/01/2012