Introduction
Optimum fetal neurodevelopment is dependent on
specific nutrients derived solely from dietary sources,
including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3
essential fatty acid, of which seafood is a major source.1
Low seafood intake during pregnancy could lead to fetal
defi ciency in essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids
such as DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid, (EPA) resulting
in adverse eff ects on neurodevelopment.2 DHA defi ciency
leads to reduced dendritic arborisation3 and impaired
gene expression for regulation of neurogenesis,
neurotransmission, and connectivity.4 In severe
conditions of DHA deprivation, such as Zellweger
disease and peroxisomal disorders, mental retardation is
common, yet restoration of dietary DHA intake improves
clinical outcomes and neuronal myelination.5–7
In 2004, advice8 was issued jointly by two US Federal
Government agencies for pregnant women or women
likely to become pregnant to restrict their overall
consumption of seafood to 340 g per week,8 to avoid
fetal exposure to trace amounts of neurotoxins.
However, such control of seafood consumption could
cause intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to
fall below quantities adequate for best fetal neurodevelopment.
9,10 We analysed an observational cohort
study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and
Children (ALSPAC), to assess whether the advice is
successful in providing protection from adverse
neurodevelopmental outcomes.