Eating any amount of fish during pregnancy is linked to a 20 percent lower risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and a slight reduction in autism-related traits in children, a new U.S. study has found. Researchers didn’t find the same link with supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish and maternal and child health
Fish is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient during pregnancy to support maternal health and fetal nervous system development. A recent analysis of Environmental Influences on Children’s Health Outcomes data found that about 25% of pregnant participants reported never eating fish or eating it less than once a month during pregnancy. Fewer participants reported taking fish oil supplements containing omega-3s.
Researchers at the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program in the US wanted to know whether low fish consumption and use of omega-3 supplements during pregnancy might be linked to the incidence of autism diagnosis or parent-reported autism-related traits.
“Our study contributes to a growing body of evidence that shows the role prenatal diet may play in autism-related outcomes in children,” said Dr. Emily Okin, a researcher in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Okin explained – according to the Eurek Alert website – that the results confirmed the need to improve public health messages about fish intake guidelines for pregnant women, given the low consumption of fish in the United States and the high number of children diagnosed with autism.
Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that appears in early childhood and is characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication. The abilities and needs of people with ASD vary and can develop over time. Some people with ASD can lead independent lives, but others have severe disabilities and require lifelong care and support.
Psychosocial interventions can improve communication skills and social behaviour and have a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of people with autism and their caregivers, according to the World Health Organization.
What happened during the study?
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 4,000 participants to examine the relationship between fish intake, supplement use, and neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with autism. The study results were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on September 2.
Fish consumption and omega-3 supplement use were measured using dietary information reported by participants. Fish consumption was categorized as less than once a month, more than once a month but less than once a week, and twice or more a week.
About 20% of participants reported not eating fish, and the majority did not report using omega-3 or fish oil supplements.
The researchers then examined the association between maternal fish intake and use of fish oil supplements during pregnancy and the incidence of physician-diagnosed autism and parent-reported autism-related traits. These traits were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale, a widely used questionnaire completed by parents or caregivers. Higher scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale indicate more autism-related behaviors.
Results
Fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with a lower likelihood of children being diagnosed with autism and a slightly lower total Social Responsiveness Scale score compared to no fish consumption. These findings were consistent across all levels of fish consumption, from “any” amount or “less than once a week” to “more than twice a week.” No significant associations were found between omega-3 fish oil supplements and autism diagnosis compared to no use.
“This study provides further evidence of the safety and benefits of regularly eating fish during pregnancy,” said Dr. O’Kane. “Other proven benefits include a reduced risk of preterm birth and improved cognitive development.”