New research suggests that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. However, experts stress that the potential benefits of fish oil supplementation for other health outcomes outweigh this potential risk.
The study, part of a Danish prospective clinical trial involving 736 pregnant women and their offspring, found that children whose mothers received fish oil supplementation had higher body mass indexes (BMIs) and an increased risk for overweight at age 10 compared to children of non-supplemented mothers. Lead author Klaus Bønnelykke, senior physician at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital and professor of pediatrics at the University of Copenhagen, emphasized the significance of these findings, suggesting that supplementation might elevate the long-term risk of obesity.
Despite these concerning results, Bønnelykke highlighted previous findings from the same study, indicating that fish oil supplementation reduced the risk of early childhood asthma and infections. He cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions regarding the impact on growth and metabolism, suggesting that further research is needed to clarify these effects.
In an editorial accompanying the study, Sjurdur Frodi Olsen, senior physician at Statens Serum Institut and professor of epidemiology at the University of Copenhagen, commended the research efforts but emphasized the need for replication in independent studies to validate the findings.
Olsen also pointed to expert recommendations supporting the use of long-chain n-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), to reduce the risk of preterm birth. He underscored the importance of this guidance, based on extensive data, in addressing critical maternal and infant health concerns.
Regarding the observed adverse metabolic effects at 10 years, Olsen stressed the significance of replicating these findings and exploring potential interventions to mitigate the risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
While the study provides valuable insights, experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions based on a single study. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and inform evidence-based recommendations for maternal supplementation during pregnancy.
