There is a variety of environmental, genetic and lifestyle risk for the development of Asthma in children.
Indoor allergens, exposure to dampness and molds, outdoor air pollutants, and other inhaled toxins all contribute to the development of asthma. Even exposure to farm animals and pets can increase the risk as can reduction in microbial exposure during childhood, use of antibiotics and acetaminophen in early childhood. The nutritional factors or both mother and child are also important, including maternal obesity, vitamin D status and medication use.
One factor that can influence asthma development is the mother's diet. Recent studies have been published that omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing asthma during childhood. It was found that supplementation with n-3 LCPUFA (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) in the third trimester of pregnancy reduced the absolute risk of persistent wheeze or asthma and infections of the lower respiratory tract infections as well. They are substrates for the formation of pro-resolving mediators. Two types of pro-resolving mediators that occur in the placenta and human milk, resolvins and protectins, have been found in pre-clinical studies to decrease airway inflammation, mucus metaplasia and hyper-reactivity and promote immune protection against respiratory infection.
The essential n-3 FA is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is at the top of the omega 3 fatty acid synthesis pathway and is found in plant oils such as nut and seed oils. Through a series of enzymatic reactions, starting with one categorized by delta-6 desaturase, this LCPUFA is converted to EPA then subsequently DHA. As various genetic and environmental factors can limit the ability to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, many healthcare organizations suggest direct supplementation or food consumption of EPA and DHA over ALA. Foods containing EPA and DHA include, but are not limited to, marine animals and their oils, and grass-fed animals and their food products.
The benefits of supplementation with omega 3 and/or EPA and DHA during pregnancy even go beyond decreasing asthma risk. They are a great natural anti-inflammatory with additional therapeutic benefits for a variety of diseases. Babies who are nursed are more likely to receive the benefits, which is also dependent on the amount of EPA and DHA consumed directly or converted from ALA. The greater the breast milk levels in the mother the higher the anti-inflammatory properties in the child thus reducing the risk of asthma.
Supplementation with omega-3 in pregnancy is a safe natural way to benefit yours and your babies health. The benefits of omega-3 go beyond pregnant women. Omega-3 can benefit anyone! Omega fatty acids are precursors in stopping excess inflammation. Diets consisting of beneficial levels of omega fatty acids have some pretty positive effects on health. Fatty acids such as Omega-3 are beneficial in cases of COPD, cognitive functioning, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
We recommend Xymogen's OmegaPure 820 and they have a whole line of Omegas to choose from. They just came out with a fish oil line MonoPure 1300 EC that is predigested for people without a gallbladder, have Cystic Fibrosis patients and more.
Omega-6 Going Straight to the Waist