Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy
11:08

The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy

Published on: March 13, 2014

Dietary fatty acid composition during pregnancy and the risk of asthma in the offspring

Mirka Lumia1, Päivi Luukkainen, Heli Tapanainen

  • 1Nutrition Unit, Department of Lifestyle and Participation, National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland. mirka.lumia@fimnet.fi

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|September 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Maternal diet during pregnancy impacts childhood asthma risk. Lower intake of omega-3 fatty acids and higher saturated fats may reduce asthma risk, while arachidonic acid may increase it.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Pediatric Allergy

Background:

  • Fatty acids (FA) play a role in immune system modulation.
  • Dietary fatty acid composition may influence IgE-mediated allergic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal dietary fatty acid intake during pregnancy and the risk of asthma in offspring.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Nutrition Study.
  • Maternal dietary intake assessed via a food frequency questionnaire during the 8th month of pregnancy.
  • Asthma occurrence evaluated at age 5 using a modified ISAAC questionnaire.
  • Statistical analysis performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Main Results:

  • Low intake of alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) during pregnancy was linked to increased asthma risk.
  • Low intake of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and high intake of saturated fatty acids, including palmitic acid (16:0), were associated with decreased asthma risk.
  • No significant association was found for n-6 to n-3 PUFA ratios or maternal intake of oils and fish products.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal fatty acid intake during pregnancy is associated with childhood asthma risk.
  • Specific fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid, total n-3 PUFA, and palmitic acid may offer protection against asthma.
  • Arachidonic acid intake might be associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes03:19

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...