Consumption of fish during pregnancy linked with childhood obesity
Pregnant women who eat fish more than 3 times a week are putting their children at a higher risk of developing obesity than if they did not eat as much of it. This is the conclusion of a new study published in JAMA Paediatrics. Data from 26,184 women were analysed to examine potential associations between maternal fish intake and childhood growth. They found that women who consumed fish more than three times a week gave birth to children with higher BMI levels at ages 2,4, and 6, compared to those who did not eat as much.
The researchers suggest that contamination by environmental pollutants could be the reason for this association. However, the authors did admit that they were not able to collect data on the types of fish consumed, methods of cooking or sources of fish, therefore their hypothesis remains speculative. However, it would seem to agree with the recent guideline released from the USA Food and Drug Administration which suggests that pregnant women should not eat fish more than three times a week due to the possibility of environmental pollutant exposure. Overall, it seems more research will have to be undertaken in order to fully explore and understand the effects of maternal fish consumption and childhood weight.
