The following is a summary of “Maternal Omega-3 Supplementation During Pregnancy, but Not Childhood Supplementation, Reduces the Risk of Food Allergy Diseases in Offspring,” published in the December 2024 issue of Pediatrics by LBP et al.
Maternal omega-3 supplementation has been studied for the potential to prevent food allergies in children, especially when taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study determining the optimal timing of omega-3 supplementation in children to reduce the risk of food allergies.
They reviewed 12 RCTs (n=3,274 mother-infant pairs) involving omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or infancy (2003 and 2018), with follow-up ranging from 6 months to 6 years. Data on food allergies and sensitization, including skin prick test results, dose-response, and subgroup analyses, were extracted.
The results showed that maternal omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation reduced the risk of egg and peanut sensitization in infants. Postnatal omega-3 supplementation did not reduce the incidence of food allergies. Subgroup analysis revealed that maternal omega-3 supplementation decreased the risk of food allergies, egg sensitization, and peanut sensitization during the first 3 years of life. Beyond 3 years, peanut and cashew nut sensitization risk has been reduced. Dose-response analysis exhibited a linear relationship between maternal omega-3 supplementation and reduced egg sensitization risk in infants.
They concluded that maternal omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduces the risk of food allergies and food sensitization in infants, while supplementation during childhood does not provide the same benefits.
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