An Australian study has found evidence that women taking fish oil capsules during pregnancy help their babies develop strong immunity when they are born.

The University of Western Australia research has determined supplementing polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil during pregnancy and early development can be potentially beneficial in preventing allergic, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in children, Xinhua news agency reported.

The study involved 36 mother-infant pairs.

Lead researcher Susan Prescott told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the study proved fish oil could enhance a new born baby's immune system.

But they could not exactly isolate the molecular mechanism that explains fish oil's health power. Previous research by the university found fish oil enhanced foetal growth and reduced the risk of miscarriage.