Taking one fish oil capsule daily during pregnancy and the first few months of breastfeeding reduces the risk of food allergy in the baby.
According to Dr Robert Boyle, from the Department of Medicine at Imperial College London (Great Britain), fish capsules (rich in Omega-3) consumed by the mother from the 20th week of pregnancy and during the 3 -First 4 months breastfeeding lead to reduced risk food allergy in young children.
The study also found a link between a longer duration of breastfeeding and a reduced risk of eczema. Breastfeeding was also associated with a lower risk of type 1 diabetes.
Egg allergy decreases by 30%
For this study, the researchers looked at 19 trials of fish oil supplementation taken during pregnancy and involving 15,000 people. They concluded that the risk of egg allergy before the age of one year decreased by 30%.
They also looked at the impact of supplements probioticstaken during 36-38 weeks of pregnancy and the first three to six months of breastfeeding and found a 22% reduction in the risk of developing eczema in children until the age of three.
However, longer studies would be needed to follow children up to school age.
“Food allergies and eczema in children are a growing problem around the world. The possibility of reducing this allergic risk by providing new recommendations for pregnant women should not be overlooked” insists Professor Boyle.
Read also :
Pregnancy: 5 foods to absolutely avoid
Licorice, the new food to be avoided during pregnancy
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