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Study Links Seafood Consumption to Kinder, More Sociable Children

Research suggests that children who eat at least two portions of fish weekly exhibit improved prosocial behaviors like sharing and helping others.

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By the age of nine, children who didn’t eat fish were found to be 43 per cent more likely to display poor social behaviour
This has also been found in countries where fish intakes are higher than they are here, so encouraging fish consumption is likely to have a positive effect on child development. Credit: Neuroscience News

Overview

  • A University of Bristol study found children who ate more than 190 grams of seafood weekly at age 7 displayed significantly better prosocial behavior by ages 7 and 9.
  • Prosocial behaviors, such as sharing, comforting, and helping, were 35% less likely to be optimal in children who consumed no fish at age 7, increasing to 43% by age 9.
  • Seafood is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, iodine, and vitamin D, which are critical for brain development and cognitive function.
  • While fish consumption did not affect IQ scores in the study, it was strongly correlated with improved behavioral outcomes in children.
  • Researchers recommend parents follow NHS guidelines of at least two portions of fish weekly, including one oily fish, to support child development despite concerns over pollutants like mercury.