Healthy Fats Reduce Chances of Bearing a Child with Autism (Premium)
According to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health, a mother’s intake of linoleic acid, an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-6) resulted in significantly less risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in her children. A 34% reduction in risk was noted between those with the highest intake of linoleic acid and those with the lowest.
In the research, dietary information was obtained on 317 mothers who reported a child with ASD and compared with that of 17,728 other mothers. In addition, women who consumed very low levels of omega-3 fatty acids were 53 percent more likely to have a child with autism compared with women who consumed average amounts.
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The authors concluded that variations in the intake of polyunsaturated fats within the range commonly observed among US women could affect fetal brain development and ASD risk. The study is published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. See abstract here.
While the study does not show a cause and effect relationship, the findings support other reports that suggest healthy fats are important for childbearing mothers.
Vegetable oils are excellent sources of linoleic acid. Leading sources of linoleic acid include safflower oil, sunflower oil, flax or linseed oil, primrose oil and soybean oil, walnuts, brazil nuts, and some leafy vegetables.
For a great reference on sources of linoleic acid, see this chart from Whole Foods on seeds and nuts. When you select and click on an item, a breakdown of the nutrient value of the food is shown.
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