British researchers from the University of Bristol have found that regular fish consumption among children may promote the development of social skills and pro-social behavior. The researchers studied about 6000 children in England to determine the potential link between fish consumption at the age of seven years and possible changes in cognitive and behavioral functions at the age of seven, eight, or nine years.
The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, showed that children who consume fish weekly may become more sociable and caring compared to their peers. At this, 7.2% of the children do not consume fish at all, 63.9% consume 190 grams of fish per week, while 28.9% consume more than 190 grams.
According to the researchers, the stimulation of fish consumption among children "is likely to have a positive effect on their development." Children who do not consume fish tend to exhibit "social behavior below optimal levels." For example, children at the age of seven who do not consume fish at all are 35% more likely to exhibit "social behavior lower than optimal" compared to those who consume at least 190 grams of fish weekly.
Health recommendations suggest that "healthy and balanced nutrition" should include at least two portions of fish per week, including oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
