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Can early intake of dietary omega-3 predict childhood externalizing behaviour?

A Waylen1, T Ford, R Goodman

  • 1Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. andrea.waylen@bristol.ac.uk

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Maternal omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid intake and breastfeeding did not predict childhood externalizing disorders after accounting for socio-demographic factors. These findings highlight the importance of considering confounders in behavioral research.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Psychiatry
  • Child Psychology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FA) are crucial for neurodevelopment.
  • Externalizing disorders in childhood are a significant public health concern.
  • The potential role of n-3 FA in child behavior is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal/child n-3 FA intake, breastfeeding, and childhood externalizing disorders.
  • To examine potential moderating effects of breastfeeding.
  • To control for confounding variables in the analysis.

Main Methods:

  • A large British cohort of 8242 children aged 7.9 years was studied.
  • Maternal n-3 FA intake during pregnancy and child intake at 3 years were assessed.
  • Childhood externalizing disorders and breastfeeding duration were recorded, with adjustments for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Maternal n-3 FA intake and breastfeeding initially predicted oppositional/conduct disorder.
  • No association was found between n-3 FA intake (maternal or child) and externalizing disorders after adjusting for confounders.
  • Socio-demographic factors appeared to confound the initial observed associations.

Conclusions:

  • The apparent link between n-3 FA intake and childhood externalizing disorders is likely confounded by socio-demographic factors.
  • Caution is advised regarding n-3 FA as a treatment for behavioral issues without accounting for confounders.
  • Future research must fully consider socio-demographic factors in studies of diet and behavior.
Abstract

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