Research within AquaMax focused on the prevalence of childhood atopic diseases [eczema, rhinitis (hay-fever), asthma, allergies] which has increased dramatically over the last 30 years or so. Recent studies reporting that n-3 PUFA supplementation can modify the immune system and that consumption of fatty fish during pregnancy or early postnatal life reduces allergic disease risk for children. The main aim was to investigate the possible protective effect of consuming oily fish during pregnancy on the development of allergic disease in babies.

First study: SiPS - The salmon in Pregnancy Study

To conduct a dietary intervention study in pregnant women to assess effects on predictors of atopic disease and on the development of immune competence and atopic disease in infancy.

Objectives To conduct a dietary intervention study in "at risk" pregnant women using minimally contaminated salmon rich in LC n-3 PUFA; to determine the effects of consuming such fish during pregnancy on maternal and foetal nutrient status; to determine the effects of consuming such fish during pregnancy on predictors of atopic disease in blood, and on the development of atopic disease in infancy.
More info>>
See also interview with one of the volunteers of the study>>

Second study: To assess predictors of atopic disease in pregnancy and on the development of immune competence and atopic disease in infancy in communities consuming different amounts and types of fish.

Objectives To conduct a cross-sectional study of pregnant women from each of three communities in China representing a high seafood intake (Qingdao, East China), a high freshwater fish intake (Jiangsu, Southeast China) and a non-fish intake (Henan, inland) regions; to determine the effects of different levels of consumption of sea and freshwater fish during pregnancy on maternal and foetal nutrient status; to determine the effects of different levels of consumption of sea and freshwater fish during pregnancy on foetal and infant growth and development. 
More info>>