Childhood Asthma—often referred to as asthmatic bronchitis—remains one of the most common chronic diseases in children worldwide. Now, new research suggests that factors as early as pregnancy may significantly influence a child’s risk of developing the condition.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood has identified a key link between a specific fatty acid in pregnant women and asthma risk in their children. The findings were published in Cell Reports Medicine.
Key Finding: Role of 12-HETE in Early-Life Risk
Researchers found that the presence—or absence—of a fatty acid molecule called 12‑HETE in maternal blood plays a crucial role. Specifically, children whose mothers lacked measurable levels of 12-HETE during pregnancy showed a 62% higher risk of developing asthma within the first ten years of life.
Lead researcher Bo Chawes noted that this is the first study to establish such an association. However, he clarified that the findings indicate correlation, not direct causation.
Increased Respiratory Infections and Microbiome Changes
In addition, the study revealed that children born to mothers without detectable 12-HETE experienced more frequent respiratory infections. Researchers also observed significant differences in the bacterial composition of their airways as early as one month after birth.
These findings suggest that 12-HETE may play a critical role in shaping the infant’s immune system and lung microbiome. Consequently, lower levels of this fatty acid during pregnancy may impair immune development, increasing susceptibility to infections and asthma.
Long-Term Study Strengthens Evidence
To reach these conclusions, researchers followed several hundred mother–child pairs over a ten-year period. They analyzed maternal blood samples, assessed airway microbiota in children, and monitored asthma development.
The study drew on data from two major cohorts: the Danish COPSAC2010 cohort and the American VDAART cohort. Importantly, researchers replicated their findings in both groups, strengthening the reliability of the results.
Omega-3 Supplements Show Selective Benefit
Furthermore, the study explored whether omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy could reduce asthma risk. Previous research has suggested a protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil.
However, the new findings add nuance. As reported by medicalxpress, researchers discovered that omega-3 supplements reduced early childhood asthma by 58%—but only in children of mothers who had measurable levels of 12-HETE. In contrast, no benefit was observed when the fatty acid was absent.
This indicates that 12-HETE may determine how effectively omega-3 supplementation works during pregnancy.
Toward Personalized Prevention Strategies
Although the findings are promising, researchers caution that it is too early to apply them in clinical practice. More research is needed to define clear threshold levels of 12-HETE that could guide treatment decisions.
Nevertheless, the study points toward a future of more personalized prevention strategies. Researchers suggest that 12-HETE could serve as a biomarker to identify which pregnant women may benefit most from targeted interventions, such as omega-3 supplementation.
A Step Closer to Understanding Asthma Origins
Ultimately, the study highlights the importance of early-life factors—even before birth—in shaping long-term respiratory health. By identifying potential biological markers like 12-HETE, scientists move closer to developing precise and effective strategies to prevent childhood asthma.