No Link Found Between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements and Related Effects
A study has revealed that consuming fish during pregnancy can reduce the risk of a child being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by up to 20%. However, taking fish oil supplements (omega-3) did not produce the same results.
According to a research paper published on the 7th in the international journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a joint research team in the United States analyzed data collected from about 4,000 women to investigate whether fish consumption and supplement intake are related to autism-related neurodevelopment.
The results showed that eating fish during pregnancy lowered the likelihood of children being diagnosed with autism by up to 20%. This was consistent across all levels of fish consumption, from "consuming even a small amount of fish" to "consuming fish more than twice a week."
Among the participants, 1,377 women (about 34%) reported not eating any fish during pregnancy, and 65?85% said they did not take omega-3 or other fish oil supplements.
Emily Oken, Ph.D., a co-author of the paper and professor at Harvard Medical School and the Pilgrim Health Care Institute, stated, “This study provides additional evidence of the safety and benefits of regular fish consumption during pregnancy,” adding, “Other proven benefits include reduced risk of preterm birth and improved cognitive development.”
The study was conducted as part of the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO-FGS) research supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that pregnant women consume a variety of seafood at least three times a week, as fish is a major source of omega-3 fatty acids essential for fetal brain development.
However, no association was found between taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements and autism diagnosis. Christine Lee, a professor at Drexel University's Autism Institute, said, “This study was insufficient to determine whether omega-3 supplement intake by pregnant women is related to autism spectrum disorder.”
Emily Oken, professor at Harvard Medical School, said, “In addition to reducing autism risk, the effects of lowering preterm birth risk and improving cognitive development have also been demonstrated,” and added, “Considering the low fish consumption in the U.S. and the increase in autism diagnoses, authorities should strengthen fish consumption guidelines for pregnant women.”
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