Research underway in Auckland could give expectant mothers a new, simple way to improve the lifelong health of their child.
Researchers from the University of Auckland-based Liggins Institute are seeking pregnant women in the upper BMI range to join the clinical trial, which will investigate whether fish oil supplements taken during pregnancy could help prevent children from developing weight problems and related issues such as diabetes later in life.
Study lead Dr Ben Albert says: “We already know that if you carry extra weight while you are pregnant, your child is more likely to develop weight problems and diabetes as they grow up.
“Women who are pregnant try incredibly hard to improve their health to give their baby the best start. But what should they do? Is there something simple they could take? Our previous work suggests fish oil may be protective for the developing baby.”