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Can early intake of dietary omega-3 predict childhood externalizing behaviour?

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Waylen , Andrea E., Ford, Tamsin, Goodman, Robert, MRCPsych, Samara, Muthanna and Wolke, Dieter. (2009) Can early intake of dietary omega-3 predict childhood externalizing behaviour? Acta Paediatrica, Vol.98 (No.11). pp. 1805-1808. ISSN 0803-5253

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01434.x

Abstract

Aim: 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.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Divisions:	Other > Institute of Advanced Study Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Breastfeeding -- Immunological aspects, Omega-3 fatty acids, Child psychology -- Research, Behavior disorders in children
Journal or Publication Title:	Acta Paediatrica
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:	0803-5253
Date:	November 2009
Volume:	Vol.98
Number:	No.11
Page Range:	pp. 1805-1808
Identification Number:	10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01434.x
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Health Foundation (Great Britain) (HF)
Grant number:	265/1981 (HF)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/2536