Eating fish during pregnancy can reduce the risk of autism by 20%: study

In cod they believe.

Eating fish during pregnancy can reduce the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder by 20%, a new study has found. Taking fish oil supplements did not produce the same result.

“This study provides yet more evidence for the safety and benefit of regular fish consumption during pregnancy,” said Dr. Emily Oken, study co-author and professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. Other proven benefits include lower risk of premature birth and improved cognitive development.

Pregnant women are advised to eat 8 to 12 ounces (about two to three servings) of low-mercury seafood per week to help fetal brain development.

But the authors of the new study — led by researchers from Drexel University’s AJ Drexel Autism Institute — found that about a quarter of the pregnant participants did not consume any fish.

Researchers examined the fish intake of 10,800 pregnant women and the fish oil supplementation of 12,646 pregnant women for associations with autism diagnoses and parent-reported traits associated with autism.

About 65% to 85% of participants reported not taking fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

We need omega-3s to help our organs function properly, especially our heart, brain and eyes.

The essential nutrient can be found in foods such as fish, nuts, flaxseeds and leafy greens or in fish oil supplements. The body does not produce it naturally.

The Drexel study found that the link between prenatal fish consumption and lower autism prevalence was somewhat stronger for female children.

Omega-3 supplements during pregnancy were not associated with autism diagnosis or autism-related traits, the researchers said.

Autism is a developmental condition that affects how people learn, behave, communicate and interact with others. It is complex and not well understood by researchers.

The findings were published in the September issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers admitted that they were unable to examine which fish were eaten, when during pregnancy they were consumed and how much omega-3 was in the supplements.

They are calling for better public messaging on the importance of eating fish during pregnancy.