A recent study revealed potential associations between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, particularly ADHD and autism. The Western dietary pattern, characterized by high consumption of processed meats, sugars, and refined grains, was linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, with higher genetic predisposition and maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index exacerbating the associations. The study underscored the critical role of maternal nutrition during pregnancy in shaping child neurodevelopmental outcomes, advocating for tailored dietary guidelines for pregnant women to potentially mitigate the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.

Source: Nature Metabolism