Eating fish during pregnancy may reduce autism risk in offspring, not omega-3s: study claims

Eating fish prenatally may reduce the risk of autism in children, a recent study found, but omega-3 supplements do not have the same effect.

Studies have shown that including fish in the diet during pregnancy is associated with a 20 percent reduced risk of autism spectrum disorder and a reduced risk of autism-related traits in children, with particularly noticeable benefits for female children. test published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

“Our study contributes to a growing body of evidence that shows the role that prenatal diet may play in autism-related outcomes in offspring,” said study researcher Emily Oken, Ph.D. press release.

To understand how fish and omega-3 supplement consumption during pregnancy affects neurodevelopmental outcomes, researchers assessed the dietary information of about 4,000 participants. Based on how often they ate fish, they were divided into four groups: less than once a month, more than once a month but less than once a week, once a week, and two or more servings a week.

About 25% of them never ate fish or ate it less than once a month, and most participants never took omega-3 fish oil supplements during pregnancy.

The researchers then analyzed the rates of childhood autism diagnoses and parent-reported autism-related characteristics, as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), a commonly used survey completed by parents or caregivers.

“Fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with a reduced likelihood of offspring being diagnosed with autism and with tiny reductions in total SRS scores compared with no fish consumption. These results were consistent across all levels of fish consumption, from ‘any’ amount or ‘less than once a week’ to ‘more than twice a week,'” the press release said.

However, the researchers found no significant association between conception due to omega-3 fatty acids and an autism diagnosis or autism traits.

“This study adds to the evidence supporting the safety and benefits of regular fish consumption during pregnancy. Other proven benefits include a lower risk of preterm birth and improved cognitive development,” Dr. Oken said.

“Given the low fish consumption among the general U.S. population and the rising prevalence of autism, these results underscore the need for better public health messaging regarding fish consumption guidelines for pregnant women,” the researchers concluded.