The effect of supplementation with fish oil during pregnancy on breast milk immunoglobulin A, soluble CD14, cytokine levels and fatty acid composition

Summary Background Breast milk contains many immunomodulatory factors (soluble CD14 (sCD14), IgA and cytokines) with the potential to influence infant immune development. Objective To determine if changes in breast milk ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 PUFA) composition as a result of maternal dietary fish oil supplementation during pregnancy can modify levels of these immunological parameters in breast milk. Method In a randomized controlled trial, 83 atopic women received either 4 g fish oil capsules (containing 3.7 g n‐3 PUFA) (n=40) or 4 g olive oil capsules (n=43) from 20 weeks gestation until delivery. Breast milk was collected 3 days post‐partum and fatty acids were analysed by gas liquid chromatography and IgA, sCD14 and cytokines (IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ) were quantitated by ELISA or time resolved fluorescence (TRF). Results ω‐3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n‐3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n‐3) levels were significantly higher (P