Consumption of ω3-fatty acids during perinatal life:: role in immuno-modulation and allergy prevention

Epidemiological data suggest that dietary factors may have a role in recent increases of the prevalence of allergic diseases. One food-related component might be the reduced consumption of omega 3-polyunsaturated fatty acids observed especially in the Western societies; yet, clinical trials supplementing omega 3-fatty acids to adults with established allergies and bronchial asthma have generally been disappointing. However, it is known that the immature immune system is highly susceptible to immunomodulatory environmental conditions particularly in the pre- and postnatal period. This review discusses the immuno-modulatory effects of omega 3-fatty acids supplementation in the perinatal life phase on the immune system of the child. Evidence exists that perinatal w3-fatty acid exposure affects T-cells and antigen presenting cells of the neonates likely due to altered eicosanoid metabolism. Although animal experiments strongly suggest a role of maternal omega 3-fatty acid intake on allergic immune responses in the offspring, the beneficial effect of omega 3-fatty acid supplementation has been studied in a small number of clinical trials. In these studies perinatal supplementation had some positive effects on distinct clinical phenotypes of the atopic syndrome. However, more studies are needed to fully explore the opportunity of perinatal immuno-modulation.