There has been a gradual increase in the incidence of allergy-related diseases, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and food allergies. Oily fish is a major dietary source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-PUFAs). A number of epidemiological studies have shown protective effects from consumption of fish during both pregnancy and infancy on the development of allergy-related diseases in childhood, though the results are still contradictory. Also, the role of dietary fish and n-PUFAs in the primary prevention of allergic diseases remains unclear.

The objective of this study was to examine any links between the consumption of fish and cod liver oil (rich in n-PUFAs) from pregnancy to the first 2 years of life with allergic diseases reported by parents at six years of age. Data from the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim study was used and included mother-infant duos who had submitted questionnaires describing both maternal or infant diet and allergic disease at age of six years.

The results of the study revealed that eating fish at least once a week at 1 year of age was associated with a 28%, 40% and 34% decrease in the odds of recent eczema, asthma, and wheeze at six years of age, respectively. Intake of cod liver oil at least four times a week at one year of age was associated with a lower risk of allergy-related consequences at 6 years of age. No reliable associations were found between allergy-related outcomes and fish or cod liver oil intake by mothers. Thus, the study concluded that the preventive effect of fish consumption is achieved better by increasing dietary fish in the first year of life in children.

Source: Øien T, Schjelvaag A, Storrø O, Johnsen R, Simpson MR. Fish Consumption at One Year of Age Reduces the Risk of Eczema, Asthma and Wheeze at Six Years of Age. Nutrients. 2019; 11(9):1969. Published 2019 Aug 21. doi:10.3390/nu11091969