Indication: Infant allergy

Source: Acta Paediatrica, June 1, 2009 [Epub ahead of print]

Research: Researchers recruited 145 pregnant women with allergies, or with partners or other children with allergies to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Starting at the 25th week of their pregnancy, and continuing for 3-4 months of breastfeeding, the women were randomly assigned to receive either daily fish oil supplements providing 1.6 grams of EPA and 1.1 grams of DHA or placebo. Researchers employed several tests, including clinical examinations as well as skin prick and IgE tests.

Results: Researchers found a 2% prevalence of food allergy in the fish oil group vs. a 15% prevalence in the placebo group. Furthermore, the incidence of IgE-associated eczema was only 8% in the fish oil group compared to 24% in the placebo group. Researches believe maternal omega 3 fatty acid supplementation may decrease the risk of food allergy and IgE-associated eczema during the first year of life in infants with a family history of allergic disease.