‘Fish oil reduces eczema’
Midwives magazine: Issue 2 :: 2012
Taking fish oils during pregnancy can reduce the risk of a baby having eczema, researchers claim.
In tests, children born to mothers who took omega 3 supplements were a third less likely to develop the skin condition.
They were also 50% less likely to develop an intolerance to eggs before their first birthday, the results show.
The Australian researchers, from Adelaide University, believe that omega 3 fatty acids, passed on to the unborn baby, protect against eczema.
The studied included 706 pregnant women with family histories of allergies.
Half were given fish oil supplements to take three times a day from 21 weeks into the pregnancy until the birth, and the other half were given vegetable oil.
The government currently advises pregnant women not to eat more than four portions of fish a week.
This is because as high levels of mercury can be dangerous to the baby.
The research is published in the British Medical Journal, where it is stated that more research is needed to see if fish oils protect against asthma and hay fever.
