Fish oil supplementation modulates immune function in healthy infants.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutritional Science
• Pediatrics

Background:

• (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to influence adult immune function and may play a role in immune development during infancy.
• Limited research exists on the specific effects of fish oil supplementation on immune maturation in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of fish oil (FO) supplementation on immune responses and maturation in healthy infants.
• To determine if FO supplementation alters specific immune markers, cytokine production, and fatty acid profiles in infants.

Main Methods:

• A randomized 2x2 trial involving 64 healthy Danish infants aged 9-12 months.
• Intervention groups received either cow's milk or infant formula, with or without fish oil (3.4 mL/d).
• Measurements included erythrocyte fatty acid composition, plasma IgE, C-reactive protein, soluble IL-2 receptor, and stimulated whole-blood cytokine (TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-10) production.
• Fecal IgA was also assessed.

Main Results:

• Fish oil supplementation significantly increased erythrocyte (n-3) PUFA levels.
• A significant increase in Lactobacillus paracasei-induced INF-γ production was observed in the FO group.
• A trend towards reduced LPS+PHA-induced IL-10 was noted with FO supplementation.
• Infant formula consumption was associated with higher plasma soluble IL-2 receptor levels compared to cow's milk.

Conclusions:

• Fish oil supplementation in late infancy effectively increased (n-3) PUFA and enhanced INF-γ production, suggesting a potential for accelerated immune system maturation.
• No adverse effects on overall immune activation were observed.
• Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of FO-induced immune maturation.