Eating fish during pregnancy may protect baby from asthma

Washington : Women who consume fish during pregnancy are just as likely to protect their offspring from developing asthma as those who consume fish oil supplements, a study claims.

Researchers at the University of South Florida in the US reviewed two studies that conclude children whose mothers consume high-dose omega-3 fatty acids daily during the third trimester are less likely to develop breathing problems.

The first study included 346 pregnant women in their third trimester who took omega-3 fatty acids daily and 349 who took a placebo.

The researchers also divided the trial population into three groups based on their blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The population with the lowest blood levels benefited the most from fish oil supplementation.

Another study randomised pregnant women in their third trimester into fish oil, placebo and “no oil” groups.

The fish oil group took omega-3 fatty acids daily as did the placebo (olive oil) group.

The “no oil” group was informed of the trial proposal and therefore could consume fish oil or fish during the third trimester if they chose to do so.

Researchers found the fish oil and the “no oil” groups took less asthma medication as they aged to 24 years old, inferring both groups developed less asthma.

“Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be synthesised by humans and therefore are essential nutrients which are derived exclusively from marine sources,” said researcher Chen Hsing Lin.

“It may be premature to recommend daily high dose fish oil supplementation during the third trimester,” said Lin.

“With almost equal to slightly higher cost, consuming 8- 12 ounces (2-3 servings) of fish a week not only may attain the same asthma protection, but strengthens the nutritional benefits to infant growth and development,” said researcher Richard Lockey.