Maternal prenatal nut and seafood consumption and child neuropsychological function from 4 to 15 years of age: a population-based cohort study

Background: 

Understanding the role of maternal diet in early brain development is critical, as pregnancy represents a period of significant vulnerability and growth for the developing brain. 

Objectives: 

This study aims to assess the association between maternal nuts, total seafood, and large fatty fish consumption during pregnancy and offspring neuropsychological function ≤15 y, considering the potential mediation of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Methods: 

This study was part of The Spanish Childhood and Environment birth cohort, following 1737 mother–child pairs from pregnancy to age 15. Maternal diet was evaluated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, whereas children's neuropsychological function was measured through standardized computer-based tests. Attention (hit reaction time and its variability, HRT and HRT-SE) was measured with the Conners’ Kiddie Continuous Performance Test and the Attention Network Test. Working memory (detectability in 2-back, d2′, and 3-back tasks, d3′) was evaluated using the N-back task. Fluid intelligence was assessed with Raven's Progressive Matrices and the Test of Primary Mental Abilities. Linear mixed-effects regression models assessed the association of nuts, seafood and large fatty fish with neuropsychological outcomes, whereas generalized structural equation modeling was used for mediation analyses. 

Results: 

Higher maternal nut consumption was significantly linked to improved attention [HRT-SE β = –0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.09, –0.00] and working memory (d2′ β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.09, and d3′ β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.11) in offspring. Greater consumption of large fatty fish was associated with better attention (HRT-SE β = –0.06, 95% CI: –0.10, –0.02; and HRT β = –0.04, 95% CI: –0.08, –0.00), and fluid intelligence (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.13). Omega-3 fatty acids mediated 8%–14% of these effects on attention. 

Conclusions: 

Maternal diet at pregnancy and omega-3 intake may support long-term cognitive development in children and adolescents.