Tanya Dutt

Eating Fish While Pregnant May Lower Autism Risk By 20%, Study Finds

Foods to eat during Pregnancy

A recent study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights a compelling connection between fish consumption during pregnancy and a reduced likelihood of <span>autism spectrum disorder</span> (ASD) in offspring. According to the research published, eating fish during pregnancy was associated with about a 20% lower risk of autism diagnosis, particularly among females. 

The study also found a slight reduction in autism-related traits in children whose mothers consumed fish.

Researchers analyzed data from approximately 4,000 participants in the ECHO Cohort to explore the relationship between maternal fish intake, omega-3 fish oil supplements, and neurodevelopmental outcomes related to autism. The study aimed to determine if low fish consumption or omega-3 supplement use could be linked to the occurrence of autism diagnoses or autism-related traits reported by parents.

Fish is renowned for being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for maternal health and fetal brain development during pregnancy. Despite the known benefits, the study revealed that about 25% of pregnant participants either never ate fish or consumed it less than once a month. The intake of omega-3 fish oil supplements was even lower among the participants.

Dr. Emily Oken, MD, MPH, of Harvard Medical School, a leading researcher in the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. "Our study contributes to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the role prenatal diet plays in autism-related outcomes in offspring," said Dr. Oken. She noted the need for improved public health messaging regarding fish consumption guidelines for pregnant individuals, given the low intake levels and increasing autism diagnoses in the U.S.

The researchers categorized participants' fish consumption into four groups: less than once a month, more than once a month but less than weekly, weekly, and two or more servings per week. Data showed that about 20% of participants reported no fish intake, and most did not use omega-3 or fish oil supplements. The team examined the association between maternal fish intake and the risk of clinician-diagnosed autism and parent-reported autism-related traits, measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Higher SRS scores indicate more autism-related behaviors.

The findings revealed that any level of fish consumption during pregnancy was linked to a lower likelihood of autism diagnosis and a slight decrease in total SRS scores compared to no fish consumption. This relationship held true across all levels of fish intake, from "any amount" to "more than twice per week." However, no significant association was found between omega-3 fish oil supplement use and autism diagnosis.

Experts recommend that pregnant individuals increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids, with fish being a primary source. Despite this, fish consumption and omega-3 supplementation remain low in the U.S. Dr. Oken highlighted that regular fish consumption not only reduces autism risk but also offers other proven benefits, such as a lower risk of preterm birth and enhanced cognitive development.

This study underscores the importance of dietary choices during pregnancy and advocates for better public health guidelines to ensure pregnant individuals receive the necessary nutrients for optimal fetal development and well-being.

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omega-3 rich foods

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What to eat in pregnancy

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A recent study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights a compelling connection between fish consumption during pregnancy and a reduced likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. According to the research published, eating fish during pregnancy was associated with about a 20% lower risk of autism diagnosis, particularly among females. The study also found a slight reduction in autism-related traits in children whose mothers consumed fish.Researchers analyzed data from approximately 4,000 participants in the ECHO Cohort to explore the relationship between maternal fish intake, omega-3 fish oil supplements, and neurodevelopmental outcomes related to autism. The study aimed to determine if low fish consumption or omega-3 supplement use could be linked to the occurrence of autism diagnoses or autism-related traits reported by parents.Fish is renowned for being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for maternal health and fetal brain development during pregnancy. Despite the known benefits, the study revealed that about 25% of pregnant participants either never ate fish or consumed it less than once a month. The intake of omega-3 fish oil supplements was even lower among the participants.Dr. Emily Oken, MD, MPH, of Harvard Medical School, a leading researcher in the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. "Our study contributes to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the role prenatal diet plays in autism-related outcomes in offspring," said Dr. Oken. She noted the need for improved public health messaging regarding fish consumption guidelines for pregnant individuals, given the low intake levels and increasing autism diagnoses in the U.S.The researchers categorized participants' fish consumption into four groups: less than once a month, more than once a month but less than weekly, weekly, and two or more servings per week. Data showed that about 20% of participants reported no fish intake, and most did not use omega-3 or fish oil supplements. The team examined the association between maternal fish intake and the risk of clinician-diagnosed autism and parent-reported autism-related traits, measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Higher SRS scores indicate more autism-related behaviors.The findings revealed that any level of fish consumption during pregnancy was linked to a lower likelihood of autism diagnosis and a slight decrease in total SRS scores compared to no fish consumption. This relationship held true across all levels of fish intake, from "any amount" to "more than twice per week." However, no significant association was found between omega-3 fish oil supplement use and autism diagnosis.Experts recommend that pregnant individuals increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids, with fish being a primary source. Despite this, fish consumption and omega-3 supplementation remain low in the U.S. Dr. Oken highlighted that regular fish consumption not only reduces autism risk but also offers other proven benefits, such as a lower risk of preterm birth and enhanced cognitive development.This study underscores the importance of dietary choices during pregnancy and advocates for better public health guidelines to ensure pregnant individuals receive the necessary nutrients for optimal fetal development and well-being.