Asthma is a disorder that has been estimated to affect nine million children under 18 in the U.S., and its prevalence is increasing. The causes of this disorder are not well understood, but it may begin in the environment of the uterus during the child’s development. Inflammation plays a key role in asthma, and the balance of the immune system may be critical in the development of this disease. This balance is established in the early life period, suggesting that the mother’s diet may have an influence. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are well known to have anti-inflammatory effects, and when present in the diet of the mother, they may influence the immune system of the developing child.
A recent randomized, double-blind study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition observed the effects of maternal intake of omega-3s during pregnancy on the risk of asthma in their offspring. 533 women with normal pregnancies were given fish oil capsules, olive oil capsules or nothing to be taken from around 30 weeks of gestation until delivery. The groups were followed-up after 16 years to assess the number of cases of asthma in the children from each group.
The study found a 63% decreased hazard rate of asthma in the fish oil group compared with the olive oil group. While the group that was not given any supplement did not show significant differences from the fish oil group, researchers suspected that the mothers in that group increased their intake of omega-3 fatty acids on their own since it had been suggested that this consumption would benefit their children. Therefore, the study concluded that an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids in late pregnancy may reduce the risk of children developing asthma.
Asthma has been linked to low birth weight and preterm delivery, which is also associated with intrauterine inflammation. The original purpose of this study was to observe the effect of omega-3 supplementation on preterm deliveries, and it was found that increased intakes of omega-3s were associated with longer gestation periods. By decreasing inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids consumed during the third trimester may protect against asthma in the offspring.
Olsen et al. Fish oil intake compared with olive oil intake in late pregnancy and asthma in the offspring: 16 y of registry-based follow-up from a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;88:167-175.
For more information see Omega Cardio or Omega EPA
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