Healthy Fat Intake During Pregnancy Lowers Autism Risk in Children

Consuming and maintaining proper levels of certain healthy fats during pregnancy can protect women against the risk of giving birth to a child with autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a development disorder that leads to significant social, communication and behavioral changes. A latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in every 50 school children in the U.S. suffers from autism.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology  found that women who consumed sufficient levels of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in some vegetable oils (salicornia oil, poppyseed oil), nuts (almonds), chicken fat and egg yolk,  had 34 per cent less chances of giving birth to children with autism, Live Science reported. 

Apart from that, the researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health also found that women who have very low levels of omega-3-fatty acids, which are found in fish, during pregnancy have 53 percent higher risk of having a child with autism.

For the study, researchers selected 317 women having an autistic child and 17,700 mothers of typically growing children. All participants provided details about their food habits during pregnancy.

At the end of the study, the authors didn't get any evidence to prove that high intake of omega 3 fatty acids in pregnancy helped reduce autism risks in children. The risks were similar to those who consumed average amounts of the nutrient.  However, according to the researchers, maintaining certain levels of omega-3 fatty acid is essential to reduce the risks, but after that it does not have any effect.

"Our results provide preliminary evidence that increased maternal intake of omega-6 fatty acids could reduce risk of offspring [autism spectrum disorder], and that very low intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid could increase risk," the researchers wrote in their study, according to Live Science.

According to experts, both fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and are vital for a baby's growth and development, particularly for brain development.