Building on my previous post, "If “You are what you eat”, but also “what your mother ate and your grandmother ate before her” what does it mean that the Czechs consume 500% less fish than the Portuguese?" it's worth highlighting a recent study led by scientists from the University of Copenhagen has found a strong link between Western-style diets during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The study analyzed data from 61,237 mothers and their children, examining how dietary habits during pregnancy correlated with the likelihood of children developing ADHD or autism. Even small shifts toward a Western diet—characterized by high consumption of fat, sugar, and refined foods, and low intake of fish, vegetables, and fruit—were associated with a notable increase in ADHD risk. In one cohort, a similar association was found with autism. Researchers accounted for potential confounding factors, such as genetic predisposition and the children's own diets, strengthening the credibility of the findings.
PS - In August of last year, I revealed that a study by the Tax Justice Network shows that countries could generate nearly $2 trillion annually by implementing a wealth tax targeting the wealthiest 0.5%. This immense revenue could be a game-changer, providing governments with the crucial resources needed to tackle the devastating nutritional challenges in low-income areas—challenges that directly contribute to a rising tide of neurodevelopmental conditions in children born to mothers in these communities. By addressing these issues, we could create a future where every child, regardless of their background, is given a fair chance to thrive, free from the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions linked to poverty.
