Gestation and the risk of allergies for the unborn child
The risk of an infant developing allergies is reduced by taking omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy.
The exact mechanism on which this phenomenon is based was demonstrated in research published in the Journal of Physiology, the result of the work of the group of researchers led by Gaëlle Boudry of the INRA Research Institute in Rennes, France.
According to the study authors, the introduction of foods such as fish, walnut oil and flaxseed, all of which are rich in Omega-3, into the diets of pregnant women alters the development of the fetus' intestines.
And this alteration would allow a different maturation of the immune system. The end result is that immune cells in the gut become more responsive to the presence of bacteria and foreign substances, making the child less likely to develop allergies.
Omega-3 and pregnancy, a successful combination
The benefits of Omega-3 intake in the pregnant woman have long been the subject of scientific studies.
To date, benefits have been reported in terms of prolonging pregnancy and maturation of the fetus' central nervous system. The benefits would extend even beyond the first few months of life.
In fact, in childhood, children who consumed Omega-3 through maternal nutrition during pregnancy perform better on tests used to measure mental abilities.
After the speculation, comeo the confirmations
Several clinical studies had also previously pointed out a link between theintake of fish oils and nuts during pregnancy and reduced risk of allergy in infants.
However, the true reasons for the presence of this correlation were hitherto unknown. The new research has clarified precisely these reasons. According to the findings, omega-3 fatty acids make a child's intestine more permeable.
This increased permeability allows bacteria and substances in the gut to pass more easily through its walls and enter the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria and molecules stimulate the child's immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. Boudry explained that what happens in the gut allows the immune system to develop and mature faster. This results in better immunity and a decreased likelihood of developing allergies.
A valid model
The research planned to observe the effect of introducing Omega-3 into the diet of piglets.
Now the research will be extended to humans, but since that of piglets is considered an excellent model system for the human intestine, scientists are optimistic about the repeatability of the results obtained.
The next step will be to test whether the effect of omega-3s on the maturation of infants' intestines also has consequences for allergy risk later in the child's life.