Abstract
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.
Objective: To assess the association between maternal nuts, total seafood and large fatty fish consumption during pregnancy and offspring neuropsychological function up to 15 years, considering the potential mediation of omega-3 fatty acids.
Methods: This study was part of the Spanish Childhood and Environment (INMA) birth cohort, following 1737 mother-child pairs from pregnancy to age 15. Maternal diet was evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, while 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, while generalized structural equation modelling was used for mediation analyses.
Results: Higher maternal nut consumption was significantly linked to improved attention (HRT-SE β = -0.05, 95%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.