Study Links Prenatal Fish Intake To Lower Autism Risk

Prenatal fish intake, but not omega-3 (W- 3) supplement use, may be associated with a lower likelihood of both autism diagnosis and related traits.

Results of the new study are published online in the ‘American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

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Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a ‘developmental disorder’ because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

Kristen Lyall, Sc.D., from the AJ Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University in Philadelphia, and colleagues examined associations between prenatal fish intake and W-3 supplement use with both autism diagnosis and broader autismrelated traits.

The analysis included data from 32 cohorts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort Consortium.