Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake during Pregnancy and Child Neuropsychological Development: A Multi-Centre Population-Based Birth Cohort Study in Spain

Abstract

Background: There are few studies that look at the intake of all types of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) during the different stages of pregnancy along with a long-term neuropsychological follow-up of the child. This study aims to explore the association between maternal n-3 PUFA intake during two periods of pregnancy and the child’s neuropsychological scores at different ages. Methods: Prospective data were obtained for 2644 pregnant women recruited between 2004 and 2008 in population-based birth cohorts in Spain. Maternal n-3 PUFA intake during the first and third trimester of pregnancy was estimated using validated food frequency questionnaires. Child neuropsychological functions were assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development version one (BSID) at 1 year old, the McCarthy Scale of Children’s Abilities (MSCA) at 4 years old, and the Attention Network Test (ANT) at 7 years old. Data were analysed using multivariate linear regression models and adjusted for potential covariates, such as maternal social class, education, cohort location, alcohol consumption, smoking, breastfeeding duration, and energy intake. Results: Compared to participants in the lowest quartile (<1.262 g/week) of n-3 PUFA consumption during the first trimester, those in the highest quartile (>1.657 g/week) had a 2.26 points (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41, 4.11) higher MSCA general cognitive score, a 2.48 points (95% CI: 0.53, 4.43) higher MSCA verbal score, and a 2.06 points (95% CI: 0.166, 3.95) higher MSCA executive function score, and a 11.52 milliseconds (95% CI: −22.95, −0.09) lower ANT hit reaction time standard error. In the third pregnancy trimester, the associations were weaker. Conclusions: Positive associations between n-3 PUFA intake during early pregnancy and child neuropsychological functions at 4 and 7 years of age were found, and further clinical research is needed to confirm these findings.

Impact of Nut Consumption on Cognition across the Lifespan

“…LC-PUFAs are involved in the function and architecture of the central nervous system throughout the various life stages. It has been shown that the LC-PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) regulates neurotransmission systems such as serotonergic, dopaminergic, norepinephrinergic, and acetylcholinergic systems [ 23 , 30 ].…”

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intakes, Determinants and Dietary Sources in the Spanish Population: Findings from the ANIBES Study

“…In this regard, studies show that supplementation with EPA and/or DHA may reduce pregnancy complications and benefit different maternal and newborn outcomes, with an anti-inflammatory effect on the placenta [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Furthermore, positive associations between maternal omega-3 PUFA intake during early pregnancy and child neuropsychological functions were found in the study by Tahaei et al [ 21 ], with prospective data from 2644 pregnant Spanish women. Compared to participants in the lowest quartile (<1.262 g/day) of omega-3 PUFA consumption during the first trimester, those children whose mothers were in the highest quartile (>1.657 g/day) had a higher general cognitive score.…”

Effect of a Mediterranean Diet or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction During Pregnancy on Child Neurodevelopment

“…The association between maternal diet and offspring neurodevelopment has been suggested by several epidemiological studies . It has been proposed that several dietary components may mediate changes in inflammatory status interfering with brain development in utero.…”