The risk of allergies in children is always an issue that many parents don't know why. A new study has confirmed that taking probiotics and fish oil capsules during pregnancy can reduce the risk of allergies in children.
A malfunctioned immune system causes allergies, which can lead to hives, swelling, vomiting, and wheezing. Fish oil contains omega-3, a unique type of fat that has a positive anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Probiotics and Fish Oil during pregnancy are great for reducing childhood allergies
According to an extensive analysis of past Imperial College London trials, taking fish oil during pregnancy (namely after the 20th week of pregnancy and during the first three to four months of breastfeeding 30% reduced risk of egg allergy for infants up to one year old.
Meanwhile, the risk of eczema was 22% lower in children whose mothers were taking a probiotic supplement for 36 to 38 weeks during pregnancy.
Experts say larger trials are needed to study these babies for longer. However, this study has confirmed that maternal diet during pregnancy influences the development of allergies in early childhood .
Limit fish oil during pregnancy
Taking fish oil during pregnancy reduces the risk of allergies in children
Dr. Robert Boyle, lead author of the study, of the pharmacy department at Imperial College London, said:
Our research shows that probiotic and fish oil supplements may reduce the risk of allergies in babies, and these findings should be considered updated when instructing pregnant women on medication supplementation. Cut.
The supplements discussed include omega-3 fatty acids, which are also found in oily fish.
Current expert advice is that pregnant women should eat no more than two servings of fish oil per week. Too much and you can get mercury poisoning from certain fish, so avoid shark, swordfish, or marlin.
Effects of probiotics and fish oils during pregnancy
The research team surveyed 19 trials of fish oil supplementation during pregnancy with 15,000 people. Researchers found that the risk of allergies in children was reduced by the equivalent of 31 cases of egg allergy per 1,000 children.
They also looked at the effects of probiotic supplements during pregnancy. Researchers have found that the risk of eczema in children up to three years old is 22% lower.
But they found no evidence that avoiding foods like nuts, milk and eggs during pregnancy made any difference to a child's risk of allergies.
Apparently, fruits, vegetables, and vitamins also had no effect, the study published in the journal PLOS Medicine found.
Other trials on fetal nutrition and risk of allergies in infants
Respiratory professor at Queen Mary University in London, Seif Shaheen, says the new study suggests a link between diet during pregnancy and prevention of allergies in children.
"More definitive answers on the role of maternal fish oil and probiotic supplementation in the prevention of childhood allergies may only come from the next big trials for school-age children," he said. .
"If these trials are large enough, they may be able to identify specific subgroups of mothers and children who will benefit most from these interventions."
Do not take fish liver oil
There is a theory that allergies are on the rise because we now encounter a less diverse range of bacteria. And this is thanks to modern advances in hygiene. Since probiotics contain live bacteria, taking them during pregnancy or breastfeeding can help your baby's immune system.
There is also previous studies showing that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help to soothe overactive immune systems. Effectively, this reduces the risk of allergies in children. However, pregnant women should be careful.
The National Health Service of England (NHS) says women should not take any supplements containing vitamin A (retinol), including cod liver oil.
Eat more fish to reduce the risk of allergies in children
Eat more fish
Instead of taking fish oil capsules during pregnancy, the NHS recommends that everyone eat fish. The existence of a regular fish diet will help because fish is loaded with many beneficial nutrients.
However, be cautious because the NHS recommends that pregnant women not eat too much tuna or fatty fish. Fish oil-free is still a very good source of omega-3s.
This recent study also found no evidence that avoiding allergens during pregnancy could reduce the risk of allergies in children. These foods include nuts, dairy products, seafood, chocolate, or eggs.
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