A new study suggests that food choices during pregnancy and throughout the first five years of a child’s life can impact certain mental and behavioral patterns.
A team of Norwegian scientists conducted the study to better understand how food choices affect behavioral patterns in adolescents. They found that children who ate more unhealthy foods, like chips, chocolate, waffles, cookies, soda, ice cream and pizza were more likely to exhibit negative emotions and behaviors. Children who consumed more junk food registered higher levels of:
- Worry
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Tantrums
- Hyperactivity
- Defiant behavior
Conversely, children whose diets consisted of healthier options like fruit, vegetables, eggs, and fish products had lower levels of the above behavioral traits.
Pointing Blame?
Although a child may not enjoy certain fruits or vegetables during the first five years of their life, it doesn’t mean the parents should give in and serve them chips and cookies each meal. What’s interesting about this study is it took the diet choices to another level by analyzing what junk food mothers were putting in their body when pregnant. Dr. Felice Jacka said the depth of the study was unique.
“We and others have published many studies that have examined children, adolescents, and adults, and results have been largely concordant, but no studies had examined the possible relationship of maternal diet or diet very early in the life span on mental health outcomes in children,” Dr. Jacka said.
As we’ve said before, giving into your cravings and indulging in a sweet treat from time to time is fine, but as with any food, the key is moderation.
Dr. Jacka added that she believes the study shows just how important healthy dietary choices are early in life.
“The average age of onset for common mental disorders is less than 13 years, so if we want to consider possibilities for prevention, and I certainly do, then we need to identify potentially modifiable risk factors very early in the life span,” Dr. Jacka said. “There are a plethora of data now to show that nutritional exposures in utero and early childhood affect the risk for somatic disease later in life.”
Dr. Jacka concluded by saying she hopes those in both the medical and mental health communities take note of the results.
“Given the very large burden of common mental disorders worldwide and the possibility of prevention that these data suggest, improving the food environment at the population level is an urgent imperative that needs to be taken more seriously by policy makers.”
Dr. Silverman comments
Should we really be surprised?
This reminds me of a blog we wrote not too long ago. The study linked excess soda consumption to aggressive and withdrawn behaviors in children. What’s the common link between cookies, soda, chocolate and ice cream? Sugar!
There needs to be dietary interventions at all levels. The government (should they ever end the shutdown) needs to better regulate the sugar industry; Medical professionals need to continue to warn parents and children of the adverse side effects of excess sugar; Parents and adults need to stop taking the easy or convenient route when making food choices for their children.
Related source: Medscape