New study highlights omega-3 fatty acids as key mediators in prenatal nutrition
A study published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition assessed the association between pregnant women’s intake of nuts and the neuropsychological function of their children.
This longitudinal birth cohort study followed 1,737 mother-child pairs from pregnancy to age 15. Maternal diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, while the children’s neuropsychological function was measured through standardized computer-based tests.
The findings showed that higher maternal intake of nuts was associated with better working memory and improved attention in children, with omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid playing a key role in the long-term cognitive development of children and adolescents.
The California Walnut Commission provided funding for this study.
Pinar-Martí, A., et al. (2025). Maternal prenatal nut and seafood consumption and child neuropsychological function from 4 to 15 years of age: a population-based cohort study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, S0002-9165(25)00249-7. Advance online publication.