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

Acta Paediatr. 2009 Jun 1. [Epub ahead of print]

The aim of this study was to study the outcome of maternal omega-3 long chain-chain PUFA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the prevalence of allergic disease in infancy. Women who were affected by allergy themselves or having a husband or previous child with allergies took part in this randomized (n = 145) placebo controlled study. Daily maternal supplementation with either 1.1 g docosahexaenoic acid & 1.6 g eicosapentaenoic acid or placebo was given from week 25 of gestation to average 3-4 months of breastfeeding. Infants underwent the following examinations: skin prick tests, detection of circulating specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and clinical examinations. The period revalence of food allergy was less in the omega-3 group (1/52, 2%) in comparison to the placebo group (10/65, 15%, p < 0.05) as well as the incidence of IgE-associated eczema (omega-3 group: 4/52, 8%; placebo group: 15/63, 24%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the risk of IgE-associated eczema and food allergy during the first year of life in infants with a family history of allergic disease may be lowered by maternal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.