Children’s behaviour can be improved if they eat fish twice a week, a new study has underscored.
Researchers from the University of Bristol have found that children consuming at least two servings of fish per week are more likely to be sociable and kind compared to those with a lower intake of fish.
Health experts are now urging parents to change their children’s diet in order to improve their behaviour.
Lead author Dr Caroline Taylor said: “Our evidence to link fish consumption in children with the best behavioural development is clear. We strongly recommend parents to provide at least two portions of fish a week.”
- High intake of fish oil could trigger heart complications and strokes
- Eating oily fish lowers twice a week lowers chronic kidney disease risk
- Anxiety reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet
Children who consume no fish are likely to be less friendly and more selfish compared to those who eat fish, the study has reported.
Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and iodine are found in seafood, all of which are nutrients that are key for cognitive function and brain development.
Looking at the data of 6,000 children aged between seven and nine, the team of researchers assessed how seafood consumption affected their behaviour and IQ.
A total of 28.9% of the children consumed more than two portions of fish per week and 63.9% ate 190 grams of fish per week.
Meanwhile, 7.2% of the children consumed no fish per week.
Fish fingers and other white-coated fish products made up 46% of the average total seafood intake among the children, the study has reported.
The research has revealed that the seven-year-olds who ate no fish per week were 35% more likely to develop poor behavioural habits compared to those who ate at least 190 grams of fish each week. This risk climbed to 43% among the nine-year-olds.
“A healthy, balanced diet should include at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish – such as salmon, mackerel or sardines,” according to the NHS.
- Children who go to bed earlier have more gut bacteria linked to healthy cognitive function
- Blood test for children with obesity can flag up heart disease risk
- Eating disorders among children doubled in under 10 years
Most of the children involved in the experiment did not consume the weekly NHS recommended amount of fish.
The authors suggested: “The low fish intake is because parents were previously warned that overconsumption of fish could increase the risk of exposure to pollutants such as mercury.”
Dr Taylor said: “When there is conflicting advice, it can be difficult to know what the best course of action is.
“We hope these research findings empower parents with the knowledge to give their children the best start in life.”
Read the study in full in the European Journal of Nutrition.
