Girls Smarter If Mom Takes Fish Oil

Omega-3s favorably influence the overall development of newborns and, in particular, the development of their immune system.

Formulas enriched with long-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA result in weight gain comparable to or often greater than formulas without omega-3s in both premature and normal weight infants.

Various aspects of child development also appear better. Breastfed infants whose mothers frequently eat fish rich in omega-3 or take fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 DHA, have better psychomotor characteristics than those whose mothers took plant-based omega-3s. 

Few studies to date have examined the effects of supplementing the mother’s diet with fish oil during breastfeeding.

Human milk normally contains omega-3 fatty acids in amounts dependent on the mother's fish consumption. Consequently, this milk is considered an excellent source of omega-3 for the newborn. However, little is known about the effects of varying amounts of omega-3 in breast milk.

4 months of fish oil supplementation for breastfeeding mothers - the study

In this regard, Dr. Lotte Lauritzen and colleagues from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Frederiksberg, Denmark, studied the effects of varying maternal fish oil consumption during the first four months of breastfeeding. The researchers monitored various aspects of children's growth and development for two and a half years. The results demonstrate a beneficial effect on visual capacity development and blood pressure.

We will now summarize the results obtained on general development, language learning ability, and problem-solving skills. Finally, reference will be made to the production of immune system factors.

The study considers two groups of women in their eighth month of pregnancy. The first consumes less than 400mg of omega-3 per day while the second more than 820mg. Note that the first group consumes about four times the average amount of omega-3 consumed in Western countries.

As expected, after 4 months, the red blood cells of women taking fish oil were significantly richer in DHA compared to the start of the study, while in the other women taking olive oil (placebo) the omega-3 concentration in red blood cell membranes decreased.

During the supplementation period, the total level of omega-3 in expectant mothers increased significantly. On the other hand, these levels decreased in both those who consumed only olive oil and those who ate considerable amounts of fish. However, after 4 months the percentage of omega-3 in the red blood cells of women consuming olive oil was significantly lower (9.6%) compared to those who frequently ate fish (12.1%).

Ultimately, infants born to mothers supplemented with omega-3 showed DHA levels three times higher than those of women who consumed olive oil and twice as high as those of women who often ate fish.

Greater development

During the study, the weight and height of children from the different groups were not different from each other. However, after two and a half years, the head circumference of children born to women who had consumed olive oil was lower compared to all the others.

At the age of two and a half years, body mass index, waist circumference, and total fat percentage of children born to women supplemented with fish oil were significantly higher compared to the olive oil group. All these results were positively related to an increase in DHA concentration in the red blood cells of the women in question.

In conclusion, supplementation with fish oil during breastfeeding results in an increase in head circumference, body mass index, waist circumference, and total fat percentage; these effects are observed in two-and-a-half-year-old children.

Smarter girls

Regarding problem-solving ability, girls born to mothers supplemented with fish oil appear significantly better, but the same is not true for boys.

Now moving on to immune system factors. Comparison of key immune substances at two and a half years revealed no significant differences regarding plasma IgE production and stimulated interleukin-10. Interleukin-10 is a potent immunosuppressant that helps us fight infections.

Lower allergy risk

Induced synthesis of interferon-gamma was significantly greater for children born to mothers supplemented with fish oil. Interferon gamma is a powerful antiviral, also has immunomodulatory and antiproliferative action. A greater capacity to produce interferon-gamma reflects faster immune system maturation. This finding aligns with similar observations previously highlighted in other studies on breastfed infants or those fed formula supplemented with omega-3.

Researchers suggest that this rapid immune system maturation could be particularly beneficial in reducing allergen sensitivity. Independent experimental observations suggest that omega-3s during pregnancy and the first year of life can reduce respiratory distress in allergic subjects.

In conclusion, the results of these studies add important information about the effects that omega-3 supplementation during breastfeeding can have. Although the information may seem difficult to interpret, it is clear that omega-3s from fish oil positively influence the general development of a healthy child and the development of their immune system. 

Source 

Lauritzen L, Hoppe C, Straarup EM, Michaelsen KF. "Maternal fish oil supplementation in lactation and growth during the first 2.5 years of life". Pediatr Res 2005;58:235-242. 

Lauritzen L, Jørgensen MH, Olsen SF, Straarup EM, Michaelsen KF. "Maternal fish oil supplementation in lactation\:effect on developmental outcome in breast-fed infants". Reprod Nutr Dev 2005;45:535-547. 

Lauritzen L, Kjaer TMR, Fruekilde M-B, Michaelsen KF, Frøkiaer H. "Fish oil supplementation of lactating mothers affects cytokine production in 2½ -year-old children". Lipids 2005;40:669-676.