A recent study suggests that children who eat fish before their first birthday are less likely to develop allergies such as asthma or eczema. The research results, published in Allergy magazine, show only the relationship between early fish consumption and the lower risk of allergy, but not a direct protection against allergies.
Swedish researchers followed about 3,000 children from birth to 4 years old, point to the theory that omega 3 fats in fish have anti-inflammatory properties that influence the development of the immune system.
According to the study, children who took fish regularly before the age of 12 months, were a quarter less likely to develop allergies at age 4. Before taking these measures it is advisable to wait for new studies, as certain guides such as the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, recommend that children do not eat fish until 3 years if they have a family history of allergies.
In Sweden, the guidelines for parents changed in this regard because there is no scientific evidence to ensure that the delay in the inclusion of fish in the diet prevents possible allergy to it. They even point to a recent study in which they found antiallergic benefits for babies whose mothers took fish oil pills during pregnancy.
Dr. Inger Kull, however, also states that further studies should be done before "promoting a special diet" to prevent childhood allergies.
