New research from the Nutrimenthe project has shown that diet during pregnancy and early life can have a significant impact on children's behavior and intelligence.
A five-year study involving hundreds of European families studied a wide range of different factors. The research considered the effects of, B-vitamins, folic acid, breast milk versus formula milk, iron, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, on the cognitive, emotional and behavioural development of children from before birth to age nine.
Folic acid, as an example, was found to be particularly beneficial when taken by women during the first three months of pregnancy. Children experienced less behavioral problems during early childhood, and some European countries recommend folic acid as part of a pregnancy diet.
Similarly, omega-3 was only part of the story of why oily fish was good for children. The iodine content served as an aid for developing children's reading skills, an effect that became apparent when they were measured at age nine.
Professor Cristina Campoy, who lead the project, said: "It is important to try to have good nutrition during pregnancy and in the early life of the child and to include breastfeeding if possible, as such ‘good nutrition’ can have a positive effect on mental performance later in childhood."
A five-year study involving hundreds of European families studied a wide range of different factors. The research considered the effects of, B-vitamins, folic acid, breast milk versus formula milk, iron, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, on the cognitive, emotional and behavioural development of children from before birth to age nine.
Folic acid, as an example, was found to be particularly beneficial when taken by women during the first three months of pregnancy. Children experienced less behavioral problems during early childhood, and some European countries recommend folic acid as part of a pregnancy diet.
Similarly, omega-3 was only part of the story of why oily fish was good for children. The iodine content served as an aid for developing children's reading skills, an effect that became apparent when they were measured at age nine.
Professor Cristina Campoy, who lead the project, said: "It is important to try to have good nutrition during pregnancy and in the early life of the child and to include breastfeeding if possible, as such ‘good nutrition’ can have a positive effect on mental performance later in childhood."
