Children who consumed the least amount of seafood at the age of 7 were found to exhibit less prosocial behavior at ages 7 and 9 compared to those who regularly consumed seafood, according to a recent study published in the European Journal of Nutrition. Prosocial behavior includes positive actions such as sharing, helping, and engaging in friendly interactions.
Seafood is known to be an essential source of nutrients for children, including omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and selenium. These nutrients are not only crucial for physical health but also contribute to cognitive and emotional development. Health guidelines recommend that children consume at least two servings of fish per week, with one of those servings being from oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel.
The study analyzed questionnaire data from 5,969 children who participated in the Children of the ’90s study, a long-running research project that has recently received £5.2 million in funding to continue its work. Data was collected over a two-year period and adjusted for various social and demographic factors.
While much of the research on seafood consumption and cognitive development has focused on the effects of fish intake during pregnancy, fewer studies have explored the role of seafood in children’s diets. As a result, the impact of seafood consumption on brain development during childhood remains unclear.
The study found that nearly all children in the research group were not consuming enough seafood to meet NHS guidelines, which may be due in part to previous concerns over the risks of pollutants like mercury in fish. However, experts have stressed the importance of seafood in a child’s diet, pointing out that the benefits outweigh the potential risks when consumed in moderation.
Prosocial behavior, which begins to develop in children around the ages of 1 and 2, tends to increase in complexity as they grow older. Encouraging prosocial behavior is essential for the development of social skills and community engagement, highlighting the importance of early nutritional support for positive child development.
In the Children of the ’90s study, prosocial behavior was assessed through questionnaires completed by parents when the children reached ages 7 and 9. The study also examined the link between seafood consumption and IQ but found no significant correlation.
Dr. Caroline Taylor, Associate Professor in Nutrition at the University of Bristol, commented on the findings, stating, “When there is conflicting advice, it can be difficult for parents to know the best course of action. Our previous studies have shown that eating fish during pregnancy can have a positive impact on child development, and this is also true in countries where fish intake is higher. Therefore, encouraging children to consume seafood is likely to promote better development.”
Dr. Taylor continued, “The evidence linking fish consumption in children to improved behavioral outcomes is clear. We strongly recommend that parents follow the NHS guidelines and provide at least two servings of fish per week to ensure their children receive the best possible start in life.”
The Children of the ’90s study, founded by Professor Jean Golding in the early 1990s, has already contributed to over 3,000 research papers. The new funding will allow the study to expand its scope, focusing on the third generation of participants to continue its groundbreaking research.
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