Impact of fish on cognitive development is latest insight into human health revealed by the landmark Children of the 90s study by Bristol University
Eating fish could boost social skills in children, a long term study tracking children in England suggests.
Researchers from the University of Bristol said that seafood is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and iodine, known to play an important role in brain development and cognitive function. Its researchers used data from the landmark Children of the 90s study which had followed the health of the children, their parents, and now 6,000 grandchildren.
The findings published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed children who ate no fish were more likely to display “suboptimal prosocial behaviour”. “Prosocial” behaviour includes friendly interactions, altruism and sharing.
The NHS says that a “healthy, balanced diet” should include at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish – such as salmon, mackerel or sardines. It advises parents to give children at least one portion of oily fish a week, but “as oily fish can contain low levels of pollutants that can build up in the body, boys should have no more than four portions of oily fish a week, and girls no more than two portions a week”.
Author Dr Caroline Taylor said: “When there is conflicting advice, it can be difficult to know what the best course of action is. Our previous studies have shown that eating fish during pregnancy in the UK can have a positive effect on child development.
“This has also been found in countries where fish intakes are higher than they are here, so encouraging fish consumption is likely to have a positive effect on child development. Our evidence to link fish consumption in children with the best behavioural development is clear, and we strongly recommend parents to provide at least two portions of fish a week in accordance with NHS guidelines.”
The study found 7.2% of children ate no fish every week, 63.9% ate one to 190 grams per week and 28.9% consumed more than 190 grams of fish each week – or more than two portions.
So-called “white-coated fish products” – fish fingers or similar products in breadcrumbs – made up 46% of the average total seafood intake.
At seven years old children who consumed no fish, compared with those who ate at least 190 grams of fish each week, were 35% more likely to display “suboptimal prosocial behaviour”. This increased to 43% among nine-year-olds.
Dr Taylor added: “We hope these research findings empower parents with the knowledge to give their children the best start in life.”
The Children of the 90s study began recruiting pregnant women between April 1991 and December 1992 and has led to many discoveries about health, including how babies can sleep safely on their backs and identified genes that may cause obesity. It has recently been awarded £5.2 million to continue tracking families in the south-west of England. The study has contributed to thousands of research papers.