Diet of Mother and Baby Important for Child's Behavior & Intelligence

A recent study from the University of Granada in Spain which looked at more than 17,000 mothers and 18,000 children across Europe found that mother's & baby's diet is extremely crucial as it affects the child's behavior and intelligence.

Diet and nutrition of the mother before the birth of the child as well as in the child's initial years, enhances well-being, mental performance and brain development.

Researchers evaluated the effect of B vitamins, breast milk and folic acid and compared it with formula, iron, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of children from before birth to age 9.

The researchers found that folic acid can reduce the likelihood of behavioral problems during early childhood. They also found that consumption of oily fish had a positive effect in enhancing performance in children and improving their reading ability.

"It is important to try to have good nutrition during pregnancy and in the early life of the child and to include breastfeeding, if possible, as such good nutrition can have a positive effect on mental performance later in childhood," researchers said.



Source: Medindia