Study Links Prenatal Dietary Pattern to Offspring Autism Risk
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A small team of public health specialists from the University of Glasgow and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported a possible link between some cases of autism and prenatal diet.
In their study, published in JAMA Network Open, the group analyzed information in two large databases of medical information on thousands of mothers and daughters.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours. It affects about 1% to 2% of the population and encompasses a range of symptoms and severity levels. Early signs often appear in early childhood, and diagnosis can be made through behavioural assessments. While the exact cause is unknown, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
Prenatal diet may influence autism risk in offspring. Studies suggest that a healthy prenatal diet, characterized by high adherence to specific nutritional patterns, could be linked to a lower likelihood of autism diagnosis and autism-associated traits. Diets rich in certain nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, have been associated with reduced autism risk. Conversely, deficiencies or imbalances in these nutrients may increase risk.
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