Prenatal dietary supplements have a profound impact on the health of newborns, for instance vitamin D and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) have been shown to reduce the risk of asthma through modulating the immune system and airway bacterial genera and composition. A recent study reported significant reductions in Gemella, Veillonella and Streptococcus, bacterial genera associated with later asthma development, in the airways of 1-month old infants whose mothers received vitamin D and n-3 LCPUFA supplements in the third trimester. Airway microbial maturation was also increased in the 1-month time point. These changes in bacterial colonisation may be attributed to the effects of vitamin D and n-3 LCPUFA on regulating airway immune mediators, including tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β. This study provides insight on the possible protective role of maternal dietary supplements on preventing asthma in neonates by influencing early airway microbial colonisation.

Keyword: pregnancy, vitamin D, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, airway, microbiota, asthma

Reference

Hjelmsø et al. Nat Commun. 2020;11(1).