A Major Review of Seafood’s Impact During Pregnancy and Childhood
Dr. William S. Harris of OmegaQuant recently collaborated with a panel of scientists, physicians, nutritionists, and public health experts to conduct two extensive systematic reviews. Their aim was to evaluate the connection between seafood consumption and neurocognitive development:
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During pregnancy and lactation
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During childhood and adolescence
These reviews were prompted by the growing body of scientific literature on seafood’s health effects and were conducted using the USDA’s Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review process. The findings offer strong support for the cognitive benefits of seafood at all stages of early development.
Key Scientific Findings
The expert committee reviewed:
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45 studies covering 102,944 mother-child pairs
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16,446 children and adolescents
Their conclusion statements were compelling:
“Moderate and consistent evidence indicates that seafood consumption during pregnancy improves offspring’s neurocognitive development—even at very high intake levels.”
“Seafood consumption of over 4 oz/week, and likely above 12 oz/week during childhood, is associated with better neurocognitive outcomes.”
Notably, cognitive benefits were observed at intake levels exceeding 100 oz/week, with no evidence of harm.
Mercury: Less Harmful Than Once Believed?
One major concern—mercury in seafood—was addressed directly. Seven studies involving over 45,000 mother-infant pairs found positive neurodevelopmental outcomes even with higher mercury exposure, likely due to higher seafood intake. The researchers stated:
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No studies reported adverse effects on neurocognition from seafood intake.
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Benefits were evident as early as 3 days old and as late as 17 years.
Notable cognitive improvements included:
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Enhanced reflexes, coordination, and attention
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Improved communication, memory, language, and social development
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Reduced risk of ADHD symptoms and hyperactivity
A Call to Revise FDA/EPA Guidelines
Current U.S. guidance recommends 8–12 oz/week of low-mercury seafood for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, the reviewed evidence suggests:
“Women should consume at least 8 oz/week of a variety of seafood—regardless of mercury content—to optimize their child’s brain development.”
One standout result: Children whose mothers ate seafood during pregnancy had an average IQ advantage of 7.7 points compared to children of non-seafood eaters.
Omega-3s and Infant Brain Volume
A separate study published in Cerebral Cortex explored omega-3 fatty acids in isolation, particularly DHA, and their effect on infant brain development. Researchers found that:
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Higher maternal omega-3 intake correlated with increased brain volume in infants.
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The frontal lobes and corpus callosum were most affected.
While more research is needed to connect these brain changes to behavioral outcomes, the data support the benefits of omega-3s during pregnancy.
Supplement tip: A high-quality omega-3 like Ballstad Omega-3 may help mothers meet their DHA needs if their diet is low in fish.
Omega-3s and ADHD: Personalized Psychiatry?
A randomized controlled trial led by King’s College London and China Medical University examined the effects of omega-3 supplementation on children with ADHD:
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92 children (ages 6–18) were given either 1.2g EPA/day or a placebo.
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Only those with low EPA blood levels showed significant improvements in:
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Focused attention (effect size: 0.89)
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Vigilance (effect size: 0.83)
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Children with normal or high EPA levels showed no benefits and some had increased impulsivity.
Key Takeaways:
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Omega-3 supplements may work better than ADHD medications in omega-3–deficient children.
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Common deficiency signs include dry skin, eczema, and dry eyes.
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A simple blood test can confirm EPA levels before supplementing.
Why Seafood Intake Matters More in the West
Researchers noted that diets in Taiwan and Japan—where the trial took place—typically include more fish. In contrast, North American and European diets tend to have lower omega-3 levels, which may explain the greater potential benefits of supplementation in those regions.
For parents in the U.S. and Europe, omega-3 supplements like Ballstad Omega-3 may be a critical tool in supporting both childhood brain development and behavioral health.
Final Thoughts
From pregnancy through adolescence, seafood and omega-3s play a vital role in brain growth, cognition, and even attention regulation. With no credible evidence of harm—and growing data supporting cognitive gains—consuming adequate seafood or supplementing with omega-3s is a smart, evidence-based strategy for nurturing your child’s development.
Support your family’s brain health. Choose Ballstad Omega-3.
