Omega 3 pregnancy and breastfeeding supplements: less risk of inflammation in children

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, daily intake of 400 milligrams of Omega 3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) attenuates inflammation in children. This was demonstrated in a clinical study conducted by a group of Israeli researchers, the results of which were published in the journal Mediators of Inflammation. The research adds new details to the picture of the usefulness of omega-3 fatty acids for children's health as early as pregnancy.

Omega-3, pregnancy and lactation

Omega-3 fatty acids in gestation perform important functions for the health of the mother and that of the unborn child. In particular, they enable:

- Maintain blood pressure values in the normal range;

- Reduce the risk of abortion;

- Reduce the risk of preterm delivery;

- Reduce the risk of postpartum depression;

- Promote proper blood flow to the placenta;

- Facilitate the passage of oxygen and nutrients from mother to baby.

The proper development of the child, especially at the level of the nervous system, is supported by these valuable fatty acids. After birth, children continue to benefit from the Omega-3s taken in by their mothers during gestation and breastfeeding. Children whose mothers have ensured the correct intake of fatty acids during these periods are at less risk of developing certain diseases, such asasthma and some forms of allergies. However, Omega-3 stores in gestation decrease when breastfeeding is prolonged and in cases where the woman has already had children. For all these reasons, experts recommend that pregnant women take 200 to 300 milligrams of DHA, an Omega-3 in which fatty fish are rich, every day.

Omega-3 to reduce inflammation in children

Israeli researchers focused on the effect of DHA intake during gestation and lactation on children's immune response. Their study involved 60 pregnant women who had already had at least 2 children. Thirty of the participants were prescribed to take 400 milligrams per day of DHA from the 12th week of gestation to 4 months after delivery. The immune response of the babies, who were breastfed, was assessed by analyzing their blood samples. The researchers measured levels of certain antibodies, different types of lymphocytes (white blood cells involved in the immune response) and cytokines, molecules that participate in inflammatory processes. The data collected revealed that children whose mothers had taken Omega-3 DHA during gestation and lactation had higher levels of unactivated lymphocytes. In contrast, the number of white blood cells producing the cytokine interferon gamma was significantly lower in these children.

DHA, benefits confirmed

According to the researchers, the increased presence of inactive lymphocytes and reduced interferon gamma production is consistent with the hypothesis that DHA intake during gestation and lactation reduces the proinflammatory response 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