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Cord blood LC-PUFA composition and allergic diseases during the first 10 yr. Results from the LISAplus study
Marie Standl1, Hans Demmelmair, Berthold Koletzko
1Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
Insights
Cord blood levels of n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) were not associated with the development of allergic diseases up to age 10. This study found no evidence that higher n-3 LC-PUFA levels in newborns benefit immune development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Allergy
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between blood n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and allergic disease risk, though findings remain inconclusive.
- Pregnancy is a critical window for immune system development, making cord blood (CB) LC-PUFA levels a potential indicator for future allergic outcomes.
- Lower n-6 LC-PUFA and higher n-3 LC-PUFA are hypothesized to confer protective effects against allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CB serum concentrations of n-6 LC-PUFA, n-3 LC-PUFA, and the n-6/n-3 ratio with the incidence of allergic diseases up to age 10.
- To determine if specific fatty acid profiles at birth predict the development of eczema, asthma, hay fever, or atopy in children.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 436 children from the Munich LISAplus birth cohort study.
- Collection of data on doctor-diagnosed asthma, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, and eczema at ages 2, 6, and 10 years.
- Measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against inhalant allergens and serum fatty acid composition (by gas chromatography) in cord blood and at follow-up visits.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found between CB serum n-3 LC-PUFA, n-6 LC-PUFA, or the n-6/n-3 ratio and the development of eczema, asthma, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, or aeroallergen sensitization.
- Longitudinal analysis using generalized estimating equations (GEE) adjusted for follow-up LC-PUFA levels and confounders did not reveal any significant links.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence to support a beneficial effect of higher n-3 LC-PUFA concentrations in cord blood serum on the development of allergic diseases.
- The investigated n-6/n-3 LC-PUFA profiles in cord blood do not appear to influence the risk of developing common allergic conditions in childhood.
Background:
It has been suggested that n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in blood are associated with risk of allergic diseases, although results are inconclusive. Low levels of n-6 LC-PUFA and high levels of n-3 LC-PUFA are anticipated to have beneficial effects. Pregnancy is considered a critical time period for imprinting the developing immune system. We examined whether n-6 LC-PUFA, n-3 LC-PUFA concentrations or the n-6/n-3 ratio in cord blood (CB) serum are associated with allergic diseases up to the age of 10 yr.
Methods:
This analysis included 436 children from the Munich LISAplus birth cohort study. Information on doctor-diagnosed asthma, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, and eczema was collected using questionnaires completed at the ages 6 and 10 yr, and for eczema additionally at 2 yr. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against inhalant allergens was measured at 6 and 10 yr. Fatty acid composition was measured by gas chromatography in serum from CB and from blood collected at 2, 6, and 10 yr. Associations between n-3, n-6 LC-PUFA concentrations, and the n-6/n-3 ratio in CB serum and allergic diseases or atopy were assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) considering the longitudinal structure. Models were adjusted for LC-PUFA concentrations at follow-up and potential confounding factors.
Results:
There was no significant association between n-3 LC-PUFA, n-6 LC-PUFA, or the n-6/n-3 ratio in CB serum with eczema, asthma, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, or aeroallergen sensitization.
Conclusions:
There is no indication of a beneficial effect of increased n-3 LC-PUFA in CB serum on the development of any of the disease entities.
