Executive summary: A mother\’s diet during pregnancy may increase her baby\’s risk of ADHD, new research suggests. Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as nuts, salmon, walnuts, cashews, soybeans, and eggs, are often recommended to pregnant women, but the results of this study show that too much of these foods can make babies less focused and less able to concentrate. Difficulty increases the likelihood of hyperactivity. What a mother eats during pregnancy may increase her baby\’s risk of developing ADHD, a new study suggests. Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as nuts, salmon, walnuts, cashews, soybeans, and eggs, are often recommended to pregnant women, but this study shows that too much of these foods can make babies less focused and less able to concentrate. The probability of hyperactivity increases.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are two types of polyunsaturated acids that are important for maintaining a healthy central nervous system. Experts believe that the balance between inflammation-stimulating omega-6 and anti-inflammatory omega-3 is important. In past studies, children with ADHD have been found to have higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
The new study, carried out by several Spanish teams, involved 600 children. In cord blood samples from 7-year-olds, ADHD symptoms were more common in children with higher ratios of -3 and -6 unsaturated fatty acids. For each unit increase in this ratio, the risk of developing ADHD symptoms increased by 13%. The ratio of the two fatty acids was not associated with ADHD in 4-year-olds or doctors\’ diagnoses. (Yu Jian) (China Women\’s News)