Can early intake of dietary omega-3 predict childhood externalizing behaviour?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether maternal and child intake of dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FA), together with the presence or absence of breast-feeding, predicted psychiatric diagnosis of externalizing disorders in childhood.


METHODS
Data concerning childhood externalizing disorders were collected from 8242 children aged 7.9 years in a large British cohort. Intake of n-3 FA was measured for the study mother during pregnancy and for the child at 3 years. Duration of breast-feeding was examined to account for moderating effects. Adjustment was made for a variety of potential confounders.


RESULTS
Maternal intake of n-3 and breast-feeding predicted oppositional/conduct disorder and comorbid externalizing disorder before adjustment for confounding factors. However, there was no association between intake of n-3 by mother or child and any type of externalizing disorder once socio-demographic factors were taken into account.


CONCLUSIONS
Any association between intake of n-3 and childhood externalizing disorders appears to be strongly confounded with socio-demographic factors. This is important to note given the current popularity of n-3 as a possible treatment for behaviour problems related to inattention and impulsivity. Care must be taken that studies investigating this relationship account fully for factors associated with both behaviour and diet.
Waylen
A
A
Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. andrea.waylen@bristol.ac.uk
Ford
T
T
Goodman
R
R
Samara
M
M
Wolke
D
D
D001942:Breast Feeding; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3