Santa can fill stockings and add presents to under the tree, but soon-to-be moms can give the gift of heath to their newborns and toddlers starting in the womb. Toddlers born to mothers who took daily fish oil supplements measured significantly better hand-eye coordination and other advantages associated with language development, according to new research out of Australia published in the British journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Of the 83 pregnant women (all nonsmokers) who completed the small study, some received 4g of fish oil supplements (containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish like salmon and mackerel) and others took a placebo of 4g of olive oil supplements. All supplements were taken daily from 20 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. Once the children reached two-and-a-half years old, they were evaluated (33 in the fish oil group; 39 in the olive oil group) based on language, behavior, reasoning and hand-eye coordination. After accounting for additional factors such as the mother's age and duration of breast-feeding, the children of moms who took the daily dose of omega-3's had significantly better hand-eye coordination and they also scored higher in comprehension, average phrase length and vocabulary.

What it means: With abundant research showing the benefits of fish oil for adults, this study suggests that both mom and baby can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. The presence of omega-3's in the umbilical cord has previously been associated with better visual ability in newborns and toddlers, but this is the first study to link the fatty acid to increased hand-eye coordination. More studies need to be done to assess the neonatal affects of fish oil, but the growing amount of literature that supports the benefits of fish oil has helped make pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements available. 
   

From the Archive:

Oct. 17, 2006: Choose Your Fish Wisely

Jun. 20, 2006: Why I Still Take My Daily Fish Oil