Children who eat fish twice a week are more sociable and kind, a new study suggests.
The experts behind the research are now calling on parents to give ‘their children the best start in life’ by changing their diet.
Dr Caroline Taylor, associate professor in nutrition at the University of Bristol, 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.’
The researchers also found that children who eat no fish are more likely to be selfish, are less friendly and behave in a self-centered way.
Seafood is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and iodine—nutrients which play an important role in brain development and cognitive function, according to previous research.
As a result the experts wanted to investigate whether there is a link between behaviour, IQ and seafood consumption in children.
The team examined long-term data on almost 6,000 youngsters aged between seven to nine in England.
The researchers at the University of Bristol found that children who eat no fish are more likely to be selfish, less friendly and self-centered
At seven years old children who consumed no fish, compared with those who ate at least 190 grams of fish each week, were 35 per cent more likely to display below average behavioural development
Some 7.2 per cent of children ate no fish every week; 63.9 per cent ate one to 190 grams per week and 28.9 per cent consumed more than 190 grams of fish each week—the equivalent of more than two portions.
So-called ‘white-coated fish products’—such as fish fingers—made up almost half (46 per cent) of the the average total seafood intake.
At seven years old children who consumed no fish, compared with those who ate at least 190 grams of fish each week were 35 per cent more likely to display below average behavioural development.
This increased to 43 per cent among nine-year-olds.
Children who ate no fish were also more likely to display ‘suboptimal prosocial behaviour,’ according to the new study, which has been published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
‘Prosocial’ behaviour includes friendly interactions, altruism and sharing.
The researchers also looked at associations between seafood intake and IQ, but no link was found.
The NHS says that 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.
It advises parents to give children at least one portion of oily fish a week, but ‘as oily fish can contain low levels of pollutants that can build up in the body, boys should have no more than four portions of oily fish a week, and girls no more than two portions a week’.
The majority of the kids in the study were not eating enough seafood to reach the NHS’s recommendation of two portions a week.
Seven per cent of children ate no fish every week; 63.9 per cent ate one to 190 grams per week while only 28 per cent ate the recommended two portions, the equivalent of 190 grams.
So-called ‘white-coated fish products’– fish fingers or similar – made up almost half of the average total seafood intake.
Experts believe that 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.
‘When there is conflicting advice, it can be difficult to know what the best course of action is,’ says Dr Caroline Taylor.
‘We hope these research findings empower parents with the knowledge to give their children the best start in life.’
WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain, according to the NHS
• Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count
• Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain
• Kids should have around 20 grams of fibre a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: Five portions of fruit and vegetables, two thick slices of wholemeal bread and large baked potato with the skin on
• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks), choosing lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including two portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming in small amounts
• Drink around 5 cups of water
• Children aged between 7-10 should have less than five grams of salt a day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
