Prenatal exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids and child health: a population-based approach

In population-based studies, we examined the role of prenatal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in childhood growth, obesity, and allergy-related phenotypes. We also examined the role of fish intake, since fish is one of the main dietary sources of the omega-3 PUFA. We found that a modification of prenatal PUFA status towards higher levels of omega-3 PUFA in late pregnancy might assist in the prevention of childhood asthma, but not in tackling the obesity epidemic in children. Nevertheless, pregnant women should adhere to current fish consumption guidelines, and not exceed recommended intakes (2-3 times/week) as a means of improving n-3 PUFA status.