A study by the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) in Barcelona and published in the 'American Journal of Epidemiology' has found that regular consumption of fish in pregnancy has benefits for the baby's brain and would protect against autism.
To reach that conclusion, they followed almost 2,000 mothers and children from the first trimester of pregnancy until the children turned five and found that those children whose mothers had eaten fish during pregnancy at least three times a week had a better brain function, compared to those who ate less.
Better brain development and lower risk of autism
During pregnancy, women were asked about fish consumption, and they responded that the average consumption was three times a week.
At the time of delivery, samples of the baby's umbilical cord blood were taken and mercury levels, a contaminant related to neurotoxic effects for the baby and Omega3 fatty acids, were analyzed.
After birth, the cognitive development of the children was followed at 14 months and another at five years of age, as well as a scale of symptoms that could indicate an autism spectrum disorder.
On average, the women had consumed approximately 500 grams of fish weekly, which would amount to about three servings. But for every additional 10 grams above that amount, children had better scores on brain development tests, reaching 600 grams per week. A relationship that was especially evident when the children were five years old.
The researchers also observed a consistent reduction in autism spectrum traits associated with increased fish consumption During pregnancy.
But fish is not dangerous for the pregnant woman because of the mercury it contains?
The Spanish are the most polluted in Europe with mercury levels six times higher than average, mainly because of the amount of fish they consume.
But in the study we talked about, the researchers found that even when the consumption was 600 grams per week, a greater presence of mercury or other contaminants was detected that could lead to a negative effect that would compensate for the apparent benefits of the fish.
A year ago another study suggested something in the same way. That fish Omega 3 would protect the pregnant woman from the harmful effects of mercury.
Fish is a very beneficial food during pregnancy and avoiding its consumption would not be adequate. You should only limit the intake of those large species that contain higher levels of mercury and choose those fish that can be eaten without risk in pregnancy.
How much fish is safe in pregnancy?
The European Food Safety Agencies (EFSA) recently issued a scientific opinion supporting a weekly consumption of between 150 and 600 grams of fish during pregnancy. But the authors of this work recognize that it is not yet known how it can affect fetal development and more studies are needed that help women to have it clearer.
