n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in pregnancy to reduce allergies in early childhood

Funding Activity

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Funded Activity Summary

Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in allergic diseases in Australia as well as many other industrialised countries. This may be due to changes in our environment or diet. Over this period of time there has also been an increase in the dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and a corresponding decline in the intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish. Studies now indicate that there is a plausible link between these dietary changes and allergic diseases. Furthermore, emerging data suggest that the potential benefits of increasing n-3 fatty acids may be greatest during pregnancy and before allergic responses are established. Our project aims to minimise allergies in children from families where at least one parent has an allergy. We will assess whether dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation of pregnant women will result in fewer children with allergies at 1 and 3 years of age. If the proposed intervention is successful, it would be a safe, cheap, acceptable and effective strategy to prevent allergies in children at high risk.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2006

End Date: 01-01-2011

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $813,423.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Preventive Medicine

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

allergy | allergy prevention | children | dietary fatty acids | long chain fatty acids | nutrition in pregnancy | prevention