Study: Mom’s Diet Plays Role In Autism, ADHD Risk

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that a pregnant woman’s diet could influence the ADHD and autism risk in her baby. In fact, the standard Western diet was associated with a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. “The greater a woman’s adherence to a Western diet in pregnancy – high in fat, sugar, and refined products while low in fish, vegetables, and fruit—the greater the risk appears to be for her child developing ADHD or autism,” lead author Dr. David Horner said. The first trimester in particular was shown to be a critical window of time. “By understanding how maternal diet influences fetal development, we can better identify the key nutrients and dietary adjustments needed,” Dr. Horner concluded. (Study Finds)