Is It True That Eating Fish During Pregnancy Will Make Children Smart?

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JAKARTA - You must have heard that fish has a big contribution to intelligence, right? The fact is true. Quoted from Healthline, Thursday, May 6, a study conducted in Spain shows that when pregnant women eat three large servings of fish each week during pregnancy it will bring benefits to children's brains in the long run.

The study found that children whose mothers ate more fish during pregnancy had better brain function improvements. This is in contrast to children whose mothers eat less fish during pregnancy.

Especially if the mother consumes seafood that contains essential nutrients for brain development, such as salmon. However, mothers still have to be aware of the mercury content that may be found in seafood dishes.

To stay safe, pregnant women are given a limit on eating seafood to no more than 12 ounces per week. Good fish consumed is also high in fat (such as swordfish, tuna, and albacore), low-fat fish (such as mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and salmon), and lean fish (such as shellfish and other seafood).

The link between high consumption of fish by pregnant women and children's brain development is clearly demonstrated when their children reach the age of five. The researchers also saw a reduction in the autism spectrum trait associated with increased fish consumption in pregnant women.

It is important to note that the consumption of lean fish and high-fat fish is the most powerful food in supporting children's brain function. In addition, eating fish during the first trimester will be better than the end of pregnancy.