Babies smarter if mom takes fish oil

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

Formulas enriched in long-chain omega-3 EPA and DHA result in comparable or often greater weight gain than formulas without omega-3 in both preterm and regular weight births.

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

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

Human milk usually contains omega-3 fatty acids in amounts dependent on maternal fish consumption. Consequently, this milk is considered an excellent source of omega-3 for the unborn child. Little, however, is known about the effects of different amounts of omega-3 in breast milk.

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

In this regard, Dr. Lotte Lauritzen and colleagues at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Frederiksberg, Denmark, studied the effects of varying maternal consumption of fish oil for the first four months of lactation. The researchers followed various aspects of children's growth and development for 2 1/2 years. The results show a beneficial effect on the development of visual abilities and blood pressure.

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

The study considers two groups of women in the eighth month of pregnancy. The first consumes less than 400mg of omega-3 per day while the second consumes more than 820mg. Note that the first group consumes about 4 times the average amount of omega-3 consumed in Western countries.

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

During the supplementation period, the total omega-3 level in expectant mothers increased significantly. On the other hand, these levels were depressed 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 who consumed olive oil was significantly lower (9.6 percent) than in those who frequently ate fish (12.1 percent).

Ultimately, those born to women supplemented with omega-3 recorded DHA levels three times higher than those of women who consumed olive oil and two times higher than those of women who frequently ate fish.

Major development

During the study, the weight and height of the children in the different groups were not different from each other. However, after 2 1/2 years, the head circumference of those born to the women who had consumed olive oil was lower than all the others.

Also at age 2 1/2 years, the body mass index, waist circumference, and total fat percentage of those born to women supplemented with fish oil were significantly higher than in the olive oil group. All these results were positively related to an increase in DHA concentration in the red blood cells of these women.

Ultimately, fish oil supplementation during lactation results in an increase in head circumference, body mass index, waist circumference, and total fat percentage; these effects are seen in children as young as 2 1/2 years old.

Smarter girls

With regard to problem-solving aptitude, the abilities of females born to females supplemented with fish oil appear significantly better, but the same is not true for males.

We now turn to immune system factors. Comparison of key immune substances at 2 1/2 years revealed no significant differences regarding the production of plasma IgE and stimulated interleukin-10. Interleukin-10 is a potent immunosuppressant that helps us fight infection.

Reduced risk of allergies

Induced interferon-gamma synthesis was significantly greater for those born to mothers supplemented with fish oil. Interferon-gamma is a potent antiviral and also has immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative actions. A greater ability to produce interferon-gamma reflects a faster maturation of the immune system. This finding is in line with similar observations, which other studies had already highlighted, on infants breastfed or fed formula supplemented with omega-3.

Researchers suggest that this rapid maturation of the immune system may be particularly beneficial in reducing sensitivity to allergens. Independent experimental observations suggest that omega-3s in pregnancy and during the first year of life may reduce respiratory distress in allergy sufferers.

Ultimately, the results of these studies add important information about the effects that omega-3 supplementation can have during breastfeeding. Although the information may seem difficult to interpret, it is clear that omega-3 from fish oil favorably influences a healthy baby's overall development and the development of its 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.