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Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation during pregnancy on lung function in preschoolers: a clinical trial

R I Gutiérrez-Delgado1, A Barraza-Villarreal1, C Escamilla-Núñez1

  • 1a Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP) , Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Poblacional, Cuernavaca , Morelos , Mexico.

The Journal of Asthma : Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
|April 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation did not improve lung function in Mexican preschoolers. Follow-up to 60 months showed no significant differences in respiratory system resistance or reactance between groups.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Prenatal Health

Background:

  • Prenatal omega-3 fatty acids are known to enhance alveolar development and reduce inflammation.
  • However, the long-term impact of these benefits on postnatal lung function remains unclear.
  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a key omega-3 fatty acid crucial for fetal development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy on the lung function of offspring.
  • To assess lung function trajectories through 60 months of age.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 772 Mexican preschoolers whose mothers received DHA or placebo from mid-gestation was studied.
  • Lung function was assessed using forced oscillation techniques at 36, 48, and 60 months.
  • Longitudinal mixed-effects models analyzed the impact of DHA on respiratory system resistance and reactance.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in respiratory system resistance or reactance were observed between the DHA and placebo groups.
  • Maternal DHA supplementation did not alter the average lung function measurements.
  • The trajectories of lung function development through 60 months were unaffected by prenatal DHA exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) does not lead to improved pulmonary function in Mexican preschoolers.
  • The study did not find evidence that maternal DHA intake influences offspring lung development or function up to five years of age.
Abstract

Keywords:
Epidemiologymechanismpediatricspregnancyprevention

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