Eat FISH for SMART Kids

A recent article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who consume more fish during pregnancy had children with significantly higher developmental scores. This study included pregnant women enrolled from 1997 to 2002 and used information to gauge the scores of the 25,446 children born to them. The highest developmental scores were found in those consuming an average of 2 oz of fish daily.

Researchers credit the higher scoring to docosahexaenoic acid, an essential fatty acid necessary for brain development. The researchers did explain that those eating higher levels of seafood were at risk for greater heavy metal exposures. At ALETFRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we counsel women on consuming fish with low heavy metal burdens, such as salmon, and avoiding ones with larger levels, such as tuna and halibut. Researchers did acknowledge concern due to heavy metal toxicity, but made it clear that the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.