Maternal Fatty Acid Linked to Higher Childhood Asthma Risk in New Study

A new study has uncovered a potential link between a mother’s fatty acid levels during pregnancy and her child’s risk of developing asthma. Researchers found that children born to mothers with undetectable levels of 12-HETE—a naturally occurring fatty acid—were 62% more likely to develop the condition. The findings suggest that this molecule may play a key role in shaping a baby’s immune system before birth. The research focused on 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), a compound derived from omega-6 fatty acids. When present in a mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy, it appears to help programme the fetal immune system. Children whose mothers lacked measurable 12-HETE not only faced a higher asthma risk but also showed altered airway bacteria and weaker immune responses in early life. These changes made them more vulnerable to respiratory infections and long-term breathing problems.

Scientists analysed data from two large mother-child studies, one in Denmark and another in the US. Both showed the same pattern: detectable 12-HETE levels correlated with lower asthma rates in children. The team also explored how omega-3 supplements might influence this effect. In mothers with measurable 12-HETE, omega-3 supplementation cut early childhood asthma cases by 58%. However, the supplements made no difference when 12-HETE was absent. The study used advanced multi-omic techniques to map interactions between maternal metabolism, fetal immune development, and the microbes colonising a baby’s airways. While the results are compelling, researchers stress that more work is needed to confirm whether low 12-HETE directly causes asthma. They also aim to establish clear biomarkers and threshold levels for future clinical use.

Asthma remains one of the most widespread chronic illnesses in children, marked by symptoms like persistent coughing, breathlessness, and frequent infections. This research highlights a potential biological pathway that could explain why some children develop the condition. Further studies may determine whether testing for 12-HETE—or intervening with targeted supplements—could help reduce asthma rates in high-risk infants.