Strongest Association Found in Early Pregnancy Diet
In a comprehensive study involving the COPSAC2010 mother-child cohort, Danish researchers identified significant links between an unhealthy dietary pattern during pregnancy and the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism diagnoses, as well as associated symptom severity in 10-year-old children. These findings were validated in two other independent mother-child cohorts, VDAART and COPSAC2000. The study identified 15 key metabolites mediating this link, primarily derived from dietary compounds and lipids. Notably, early pregnancy metabolome time points showed the strongest associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of early pregnancy. Additionally, the impact of the unhealthy dietary pattern was notably more substantial in children with a heightened genetic predisposition for these disorders, those born to mothers with elevated pre-pregnancy BMI, and male children. The study’s conclusions highlight the significant impact of maternal dietary habits on child neurodevelopment. The authors advocate for targeted nutritional interventions during pregnancy to potentially reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
