Various types of fish and seafood have long been recognized as key components in a healthy diet, thanks to their high concentrations of important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, selenium, and iodine. Yet the effects of regularly eating fish could be especially important for children at a crucial stage in their brain development, according to a new study conducted by University of Bristol researchers.
Published earlier this month, the study focused on nearly 6,000 children in England between the ages of seven and nine. Specifically, the researchers wanted to explore how seafood consumption could affect their cognition and behavior in subsequent years.
Of the 6,000 children studied, 7.2% didn’t eat fish on a weekly basis, while 63.9% ate up to 190 grams per week. The other 28.9% of children ate over 190 grams weekly, which equates to at least two portions. Overall, the average amount consumed was 123 grams. Nearly half of this consumption was fish sticks, fish fingers, or similar products.
After controlling for social and demographic factors, the researchers analyzed reports of the children’s behavior. They found that compared to those who ate at least two portions of fish per week, those who never ate fish were significantly less likely to display prosocial behavior such as sharing, kindness, concern for others, and interacting in a friendly manner with their peers. This type of “suboptimal prosocial behavior” was found to be 35% more likely in 7-year-olds who never ate fish and 43% more likely in 9-year-olds who never ate fish.
Eat your fish!
- Interestingly, when looking at intellectual development (as measured by IQ), there didn’t appear to be any significant differences, regardless of how much fish was in the child’s diet.
- Health experts recommend that individuals of all ages should consume at least two portions of fish per week, with one of these portions consisting of oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, herring, or mackerel. However, due to the possible presence of pollutants like mercury in oily fish, the maximum recommendation is two portions per week for girls and four portions for boys.
- Previous research has suggested that there is a positive link between mothers who consume fish during pregnancy and child development.
