Why Should We Encourage Children to Eat Fish for Healthy Future Generations?

The Mediterranean diet includes fish as one of its most frequently consumed animal foods, and fish is particularly important for children’s intellectual development and the quality of the sleep they need. A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that children who ate fish at least once a week had higher intelligence (IQ) scores than children who ate it less frequently.

Previous studies had found an association between the omega-3 fatty acids present in many fish, intellectual development and better sleep. However, a direct link had not been clearly reported. The researchers specifically examined and emphasized omega-3 consumed in foods, rather than taking omega 3 fatty acids as supplements.

In a study in China involving children aged 9-11, %46 girls and %54 boys, with 541 children in total, fish consumption frequency was measured using a questionnaire. The children selected one of the options “once a week,” “occasionally” or “never.” An intelligence scale, an IQ test for children, was then administered in China. Parents subsequently answered questions about sleep quality in a children’s sleep habits questionnaire, including sleep duration, night waking and daytime nap frequency. Finally, the researchers controlled for demographic information such as parental education, occupation and marital status.

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After scores for all these data were calculated, children who regularly ate fish every week scored an average of 4.8 points higher on IQ tests than children who rarely or never ate fish. In addition, children with higher fish consumption were generally found to have better sleep quality. Better sleep was reported to be directly associated with cognitive functions and social behavior. The researchers therefore highlight fish consumption, especially in growing children.

As a healthy food, fish should be consumed more often for its benefits and contributions to development. Researchers recommend introducing fish from age 2. Family habits greatly affect children’s development, and their future dietary preferences are related to habits acquired at a young age.