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

Ariadna Pinar-Martí, Nicolas Ayala-Aldana, M. Ruiz-Rivera, N. Lertxundi, Mikel Subiza, L. González-Safont, Jesús Vioque, I. Riaño-Galán et al.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2025

2 citations

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. 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…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.

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