Maternal fatty acid levels during pregnancy, childhood lung function and atopic diseases. The Generation R Study

Clin Exp Allergy. 2016 Mar;46(3):461-71. doi: 10.1111/cea.12613.

Abstract

Background: Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy might influence foetal immunological development and subsequently the risk of childhood atopic diseases.

Objective: To examine the associations of maternal fatty acid levels during pregnancy with airway resistance and inflammation, asthma and eczema, in school-age children.

Methods: This study among 4976 subjects was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study. We measured maternal plasma glycerophospholipid fatty acid levels by gas chromatography during the second trimester of pregnancy (mean gestational age: 20.7 (± 1.1) weeks). At the age of 6 years, airway resistance and inflammation were measured by interrupter technique (Rint) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and current physician-diagnosed asthma and eczema were assessed by ISAAC-based questionnaires. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors.

Results: We did not observe consistent associations of maternal total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), total n-6 PUFA, total n-3 PUFA levels and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio during pregnancy with child's Rint and FeNO. Higher maternal total PUFA and total n-6 PUFA levels were associated with a decreased risk of childhood asthma (odds ratios (95% confidence interval): 0.76 (0.60, 0.97) and 0.71 (0.52, 0.96) per standard deviation score (SDS) increase of total PUFA and total n-6 PUFA levels, respectively) and with an increased risk of childhood eczema (1.16 (1.05, 1.28) and 1.21 (1.07, 1.37)). The observed associations were partly explained by Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n-6) levels. Maternal total n-3 PUFA levels and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio were not associated with current asthma and eczema. The observed associations were not explained by child's PUFA intake.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Higher maternal total PUFA and total n-6 PUFA levels during pregnancy seem to influence the risk of atopic diseases in childhood. The underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.

Keywords: Rint; asthma; child; cohort study; eczema; fractional exhaled nitric oxide; maternal fatty acids; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fatty Acids / blood*
  • Female
  • Glycerophospholipids / blood
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / diagnosis
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / epidemiology
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / etiology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Maternal Exposure*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Risk
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Glycerophospholipids