Omega 3 supplements in pregnancy and breastfeeding: lower inflammation risks in children

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the daily intake of 400 milligrams of Omega 3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) reduces inflammation in children. This was demonstrated by a clinical study conducted by a group of Israeli researchers, whose results were published in the journal Mediators of Inflammation. The research adds new details to the understanding of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for children’s health starting from pregnancy.

Omega-3, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy play important roles for the health of both mother and unborn child. In particular, they help to:

• maintain normal blood pressure levels;
• reduce the risk of miscarriage;
• reduce the risk of premature birth;
• reduce the risk of postpartum depression;
• promote proper blood flow to the placenta;
• facilitate the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from mother to baby.

The correct development of the child, especially in the nervous system, is supported by these precious fatty acids. After birth, children continue to benefit from the Omega-3 taken by the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Children whose mothers ensured adequate fatty acid intake during these periods are less exposed to the risk of developing certain conditions, such as asthma and some allergic forms. However, the reserves of  Omega-3 during pregnancy decrease when breastfeeding is prolonged and in women who have already had children. For all these reasons, experts recommend pregnant women take between 200 and 300 milligrams of DHA daily, an Omega-3 abundant in fatty fish.

Omega-3 to reduce inflammation in children

Israeli researchers focused on the effect of DHA intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding on children's immune response. Their study involved 60 pregnant women who already had at least 2 children. Thirty participants were prescribed to take 400 milligrams per day of DHA from the twelfth week of pregnancy to 4 months after delivery. The immune response of the breastfed children was assessed by analyzing their blood samples. Researchers measured levels of certain antibodies, different types of lymphocytes (white blood cells involved in the immune response), and cytokines, molecules involved in inflammatory processes. Data revealed that children whose mothers took Omega-3 DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding had higher levels of inactive lymphocytes. Conversely, these children had significantly fewer white blood cells producing the cytokine interferon gamma.

DHA, benefits confirmed

According to the researchers, the higher presence of inactive lymphocytes and the reduced production of interferon gamma is compatible with the hypothesis that DHA intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduces pro-inflammatory responses in children. 

Source 

1. Granot E, Jakobovich E, Rabinowitz R, Levy P, Schlesinger M, “DHA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation affects infants' cellular but not humoral immune response”, Mediators Inflamm. 2011;2011:493925. Epub 2011 Sep 18