Asthma is an inflammatory, immunological lung disease that is increasing in incidence worldwide. A recent long term Danish study (Am J Clin Nutr. 88(1):167-75) suggests that a predisposition to asthma may begin before birth and that a dietary intervention by feeding fish oil to third trimester pregnant mothers may greatly reduce the subsequent development of childhood asthma.
Pregnant Mothers Were Fed Fish Oil
More than 500 pregnant mothers were in the Danish study, which was begun in 1990. In their last trimester, half of the pregnant women were fed olive oil (control) and half were fed fish oil in identical capsules. Previous experiments showed a reduction in inflammatory immune responses by increased dietary omega-3 oils. In this experiment the researchers tried to extend the suppression of inflammation to include treatments during pregnancy that subsequently reduced the incidence of childhood asthma.
Fish Oil During Pregnancy Dramatically Reduced Childhood Asthma
The children were followed for the next 16 years through medical records in the national registry. Fish oil reduced the incidence of asthma by 63% and reduced allergic asthma by 87%. These amazing results indicate that lowering inflammation during pregnancy with fish oil supplements, can have a lasting impact on subsequent development of asthma throughout childhood.
Fish Oil Is Also Effective for Other Inflammatory Conditions of Pregnancy
The results of the Danish study are strong support for a recommendation to encourage pregnant women to take fish oil supplements. Fish oil has also been shown in various studies to reduce other inflammatory complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and premature/low birth weight births. Post partum depression also responds to anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDS, as well as omega-3 oils.
Fish Oil DHA and EPA Influence Brain Membranes and Inflammatory Prostaglandins
How does fish oil help with asthma? Fish oil contains the two long chain omega-3 oils, DHA and EPA. The DHA is a major component of nerve membranes and supports the normal development of a baby’s brain. EPA has been implicated in the control of inflammatory responses, because it is converted into an anti-inflammatory prostaglandin, a small signal molecule that inhibits the cellular reactions that lead to inflammation. Since fish oil reduces asthma development, it follows that fish oil/EPA supplements for pregnant women reduce inflammation in the late term fetus and the result is a baby that shows reduced symptoms of inflammation. The surprising aspect of the study, is that anti-inflammatory prenatal treatment can have a lasting impact throughout childhood. This study is part of a broad trend in medicine to attack diseases by reducing inflammation.
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