A study has revealed that regular fish consumption during pregnancy could significantly reduce the risk of children developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the research, this dietary habit decreases the likelihood of a diagnosis of ASD, a developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication and behavior, by 20%. Interestingly, fish oil supplements, despite being a common source of omega-3 fatty acids, did not generate the same protective effect.
The study, led by researchers at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University, looked at the relationship between pregnant women’s diet and later ASD diagnoses in their children. It examined the fish intake of 10,800 pregnant women, as well as the use of fish oil supplements by 12,646 women, with the goal of identifying possible links between consumption of these nutrients and autism-related traits reported by parents.
One of the study’s most notable findings is that about a quarter of the women participating did not include fish in their diet during pregnancy. Despite medical recommendations suggesting eating 8 to 12 ounces of fish per week, many women opted for supplements instead of real fish. However, the researchers found that these supplements did not offer the same benefits in reducing autism risk, underscoring the importance of direct fish consumption.
Dr. Emily Oken, co-author of the study and professor at Harvard Medical School, highlighted that the benefits of fish during pregnancy go beyond reducing the risk of ASD. According to Dr. Oken, “regular fish consumption is also associated with a lower risk of preterm birth and healthier cognitive development in children.” This reinforces the idea that fish is a key component in the prenatal diet due to its omega-3 fatty acid content, which plays a fundamental role in the development of the fetal brain.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as fish, walnuts, flax seeds and certain leafy vegetables, are essential for the proper functioning of the heart, brain and eyes. Although the human body cannot produce omega-3s naturally, obtaining them through diet is essential for overall well-being. Despite this, the study found that between 65% and 85% of the participants did not take omega-3 supplements or eat fish regularly.
Another interesting aspect of the study is that the link between prenatal fish consumption and a lower prevalence of ASD was more pronounced in girls than in boys. However, the researchers were unable to establish a clear relationship between omega-3 supplements and reduced risk of ASD. This finding suggests that nutrients present in fish might have effects that are not replicated by fish oil supplements.
ASD, a complex condition that is still the subject of numerous studies, affects children’s neurological development and can manifest itself in different ways, from difficulties in social interaction to repetitive behaviors. Despite advances in research, understanding of its causes remains limited. However, studies such as this one offer new clues about how certain eating habits during pregnancy can influence children’s long-term health.
Although there is still much to learn about ASD and its relationship with prenatal factors, this study reinforces the recommendation that pregnant women include fish in their weekly diet. By doing so, they would not only be reducing the risk of autism, but also promoting better cognitive and physical development in their children.
In conclusion, the researchers suggest that pregnant women should prioritize eating low-mercury fish as part of a balanced diet. While fish oil supplements may offer some benefits, they do not appear to match the protective effects of real fish against ASD risk, especially with regard to girls’ development.