What You Eat During Pregnancy Can Affect Your Baby’s Brain—Here’s What To Avoid!

A new study suggests that what a mother eats during pregnancy could affect her child’s risk of developing ADHD or autism. Researchers found that following a Western-style diet—high in fats, sugars, and processed foods—was linked to a greater chance of developmental disorders in children.

Western Diet and Increased Risk

The study, published in Nature Metabolism, analyzed over 60,000 Norwegian mother-child pairs. It found that even small shifts toward a Western diet during pregnancy were linked to a 66 per cent higher risk of ADHD and a 122 per cent higher risk of autism in children.

Lead researcher Dr. David Horner of the University of Copenhagen explained, “The greater a woman’s adherence to a Western diet during pregnancy, the higher the risk of her child developing ADHD or autism.”

However, researchers also emphasized that even small improvements in diet—such as adding more fish, fruits, and vegetables—could potentially reduce these risks.

How the Study Was Conducted

The researchers first examined the diets of 500 Norwegian mothers whose children were diagnosed with developmental disorders. They then expanded the study to a larger group of 60,000 mothers and children, confirming that diet during pregnancy played a key role in developmental risks.

The link was especially strong during the first and second trimesters, suggesting that early brain development is particularly sensitive to maternal nutrition.

The Role of Metabolites in Brain Development

The study identified 43 metabolites in maternal blood that were associated with a Western diet. These are chemical compounds formed when food is broken down in the body. Out of these, 15 metabolites were specifically linked to an increased risk of ADHD.

Dr Horner explained, “Many of these metabolites come from dietary intake and influence inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which play a role in early brain development.”

Are Pregnancy Diet Guidelines Enough?

Senior author Morten Arendt Rasmussen, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, questioned whether current pregnancy diet recommendations are sufficient. “We know nutritional demands increase during pregnancy, and our study highlights how crucial diet is for fetal development,” he said.

Although the Nordic diet—rich in whole grains, fish, and vegetables—is often promoted as a healthy option, researchers found that many pregnant women still followed eating patterns that could be improved.

The findings suggest that expecting mothers should pay closer attention to reducing processed foods and increasing nutrient-dense foods to support their baby’s development.

What Foods Should Pregnant Women Include in Their Diet?

To support fetal brain development and reduce the risk of developmental disorders, experts recommend that pregnant women focus on consuming:

Experts suggest avoiding highly processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive saturated fats, as these can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which may affect brain development.

Simple dietary changes—such as eating more whole foods, healthy fats, and essential vitamins—could significantly benefit a child’s brain development and overall health.

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