A study driven by IRB CatSud and ISGlobal, in collaboration with the California Walnut Commission, suggests that maternal diet during pregnancy can significantly impact children's brain development long-term. The research, published in European Journal of Epidemiology, analyzed data from 716 mother-child pairs extracted from the IMMA project, a study on childhood and the environment. Biological markers were sought in umbilical cord plasma.
Omega-3 fatty acid levels in the umbilical cord are associated with cognitive trajectories from infancy to adolescence, showing differentiated patterns for attention, working memory, and fluid intelligence between ages 5 and 15. "The type of prenatal nutrition leaves a lasting imprint on the offspring's cognitive trajectory," states Jordi Julvez, lead researcher of the study and member of the NeuroÈpia group at IRB CatSud and ISGlobal.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found mainly in oily fish and seafood, is crucial for brain development. Children exposed to higher levels of DHA during pregnancy show better attention, memory, and reasoning abilities up to age 15, with benefits that persist over time. While improvements in working memory are particularly noted in early childhood, the association with attention and fluid intelligence progressively strengthens towards adolescence.
On the other hand, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), of plant origin (walnuts, seeds, oils), is associated with better attention spans in early childhood (ages 5-7) and a slight improvement in working memory later on. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), also found in fish and seafood, showed no association with the cognitive abilities assessed.
According to Ariadna Pinar-Martí, the study's first author, following a rich and balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet, which appropriately combines fish, nuts, and quality oils, is the best way to ensure an optimal intake of these essential nutrients during gestation, as the human body cannot produce ALA on its own.
The work involved participation from researchers at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), the Universitat de Barcelona (UB), CIBEROBN, and CIBERESP of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII).
