Fish Consumption & Lowered Risk of Eczema in Infants

Including fish from weaning and before the age of nine months seems to reduce the risk of eczema in infants, according to a study by Swedish researchers. Eczema is a type of skin inflammation also described as atopic dermatitis.

Bernt Alm, MD, PhD, of the University of Gothenburg and his colleagues analyzed the diets and other potential factors and the risk of eczema of 4,921 infants. At six months of age, almost 14 percent of the infants had developed eczema, and at 12 months almost 21% of infants had developed eczema. Three of the strongest associated risk factors were a mother with eczema, a sibling with eczema, and allergy to cow’s milk.

However, infants who began consuming some fish before the age of nine months had a 24% lower risk of developing eczema. The study indicated that the reason for this may have been the anti-inflammatory nature of the Omega 3 fats found in most fish.