Fathers’ Fish Oil Supplement Intake Can Reduce Obesity Risk in Children, Study Finds

NEW DELHI: A recent study has found that fathers who take fish oil supplements can help lower the risk of obesity in their children. This research, conducted on mice by scientists at Syracuse University in the United States, suggests that a simple dietary change, such as fathers taking fish oil supplements, could address the growing issue of childhood obesity.

Previously, the research team had shown that fish oil supplements taken by mothers could also reduce the risk of obesity in their children. In the new study, involving around 150 mice, it was observed that male mice who consumed fish oil supplements had offspring with lower body weight and better metabolic health compared to those whose fathers did not take the supplements.

Latha Ramalingam, an Assistant Professor in Nutrition at Syracuse University, explained that the study highlights the impact parents can have on their children’s health beyond just genetics. She stated, “Fish oil, which is easily available and safe, could be a powerful tool in our efforts to ensure a healthier future generation.”

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows a significant increase in the number of obese young people aged 5 to 19, rising from 31 million in 1990 to 160 million in 2022. Obesity is a major risk factor for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and it can also lead to low self-esteem and depression.

The study further revealed that the offspring of male mice who took fish oil supplements and were fed a low-fat healthy diet weighed less at 7 and 21 days old compared to the offspring of males who did not take the supplements.

“This idea has the potential to change how we approach the fight against childhood obesity,” said Ramalingam.

The findings of this study will be presented at NUTRITION 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, which will take place from June 29 to July 2 in Chicago.

–IANS

rvt/vd