We already knew that a diet rich in fish and Omega 3 during pregnancy improves fetal brain development and limits the risk of anxiety in adulthood thanks to the findings of a Japanese study published in January 2016. This new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine teaches us that a diet rich in omega 3 during pregnancy would also reduce the risk ofasthma for kids.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark examined 736 pregnant women between the 22nd and 26th week of gestation, which was supplemented with 2.4 grams of fish oil or a placebo (olive oil) per day.
The children of these women were followed for the first 3 years of life, then for 2 years, for a total of 5 years. 695 children were included in this trial, and 19.6% of them reported a diagnosis of persistent wheezing or asthma by the age of 5 years.
Pregnant women who received omega 3 supplements during their third trimester of pregnancy had a significant 31% reduction in risk of developing persistent wheezing or asthma in young children compared to the placebo group.
To conclude, the researchers suggest that omega 3 supplements – which do not trigger any side effects – are suitable for women who have a family history ofasthma.
Read also:
Asthma: soon a drug?
QUIZ: what do you really know about asthma?
Processed meat increases asthma attacks
