Supplementation of n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation reduces maternal plasma lipid levels and provides DHA to the infants.

Objective: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) is considered an essential fatty acid for the fetus and newborn infant, but the optimal level of supply is not known. We studied the effect of supplementing pregnant and lactating women with marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as compared to n-6 PUFAs related to maternal and infant lipid levels.

Study Design: Five hundred and ninety pregnant women in weeks 17-19 of pregnancy were recruited.

Breast milk fatty acids and allergic disease in preschool children: the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study.

Background: Better understanding of the association between early life lipid intakes and the development of allergic diseases is needed.

Objective: We prospectively studied breast milk content of n-6, n-3, and trans fatty acids in relation to allergic symptoms at the ages of 1 and 4 years.

Methods: Fatty acid content was determined in breast milk samples of 265 (158 allergic and 107 nonallergic) mothers of children participating in the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy study.

Effect of alpha-linolenic acid supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal polyunsaturated fatty acid status and pregnancy outcome.

Background: Maternal essential fatty acid status declines during pregnancy, and as a result, neonatal concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) may not be optimal.

Objective: Our objective was to improve maternal and neonatal fatty acid status by supplementing pregnant women with a combination of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) and linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6), the ultimate dietary precursors of DHA and AA, respectively.

Design: From week 14 of gestation until delivery, pregnant women consumed daily 25 g margarine supplying either 2.

Gamma-linolenic acid supplementation for prophylaxis of atopic dermatitis--a randomized controlled trial in infants at high familial risk.

Background: Studies suggest that low concentrations of n-6 long-chain polyenes in early life are correlated to atopic disease in later life.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible preventive effect of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplementation on the development of atopic dermatitis in infants at risk.

Design: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, formula-fed infants (n = 118) with a maternal history of atopic disease received borage oil supplement (containing 100 mg GLA) or sunflower oil supplement as a placebo daily for the first 6 mo of life.