Fish is particularly important during pregnancy and early childhood. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for normal brain and visual development and function in infants and young children.
Baby's brain development is rapid during pregnancy, but continues into a child’s second year. Australia’s Omega-3 Centre's report on children and Omega-3 intake, recommends that children eat up to 5 times the amount of fish they currently eat2 . Research has shown that children of mothers who ate higher amounts of seafood during pregnancy, had an increased IQ at age 81 .
References
- Hibbeln JR et al Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopment outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study):an observational cohort study Lancet 2007:369;578-585
- Scientific Consensus Workshop Omega-3 fatty acids essential nutrients for children.
