Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to many health benefits. In particular, they may help promote brain and heart health, reduce inflammation, and protect against several chronic conditions. Considering that fish is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient during pregnancy for supporting maternal health and child neurodevelopment, a new study from the US attracts attention.
Researchers found that consuming any amount of fish during pregnancy was associated with about a 20% lower likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, particularly in females, and a slight reduction in autism-related traits in offspring. But, the same association with supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids could not be found. The research finding is of significance across the world. In Qatar the ASD prevalence rate is 1.14% amongst five to 12-year-olds.
A recent analysis of Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort data revealed that about 25% of the pregnant participants reported never eating fish or consuming it less than once a month during their pregnancy. Even fewer participants reported taking omega-3 fish oil supplements. The researchers wanted to see whether low fish consumption and omega-3 supplement use during pregnancy might be associated with the occurrence of an autism diagnosis or parent-reported autism-related traits.
“Our study contributes to a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the role that prenatal diet can play in autism-related outcomes in offspring,” said ECHO Cohort researcher Emily Oken, MD, MPH, of Harvard Medical School. The work is published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers analysed data from about 4,000 participants, examining the relationships among fish intake, supplement use, and neurodevelopmental outcomes related to autism. Fish consumption and omega-3 supplement use were measured with dietary information reported by participants. About 20% of adult participants reported no fish intake, and most reported not using omega-3 or fish oil supplements.
The researchers then looked at the relationship between maternal fish intake and omega-3 fish oil supplement use during pregnancy and the occurrence of clinician-diagnosed autism and parent-reported autism-related traits. These traits were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), a widely used survey completed by parents or caregivers. Higher scores on the SRS indicate the presence of more autism-related behaviours.
Consuming fish during pregnancy was associated with a lower likelihood of offspring being diagnosed with autism and a slight decrease in total SRS scores compared to not eating fish. These results were consistent across all levels of fish consumption, from “any” amount or “less than once per week” to “more than twice per week.” No significant associations were found between omega-3 fish oil supplements and autism diagnosis compared to no use.
Experts recommend that additional omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed during pregnancy. Prenatal fish intake is a key source of omega-3 fatty acids that are critical for foetal brain development. “This study provides yet more evidence for the safety and benefit of regular fish consumption during pregnancy,” said Dr Oken. “Other proven benefits include lower risk for preterm birth and improved cognitive development.”
The ECHO programme at the National Institutes of Health in the US is an innovative, large, collaborative research initiative whose mission is to enhance the health of children for generations to come. The goal is to examine effects of a broad array of early environmental exposures on child health and development.
