Eating fish improves kids’ IQ scores and sleep, study says
By Susan Scutti, CNN 2 minute read Published 4:40 PM EST, Wed January 3, 2018
CNN — Children who eat fish once a week or more sleep better and score higher, on average, on IQ tests than children who never eat fish or do so less than once a week, according to study published last month in the journal Scientific Reports.
Studies have shown a connection between omega-3s – essential fatty acids found in many types of fish, including salmon, sardines and tuna – and improved intelligence and better sleep.
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Eating fish leads to better sleep and higher intelligence
By Chrissy Sexton Earth.com staff writer Published 12-21-2017
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have found that children who eat fish at least once a week sleep better and have higher IQ scores. The investigation revealed that children who ate fish had IQ test scores an average of four points higher than children who did not eat fish regularly.
Previous studies have linked omega-3s to improved intelligence and also to better sleep,but never linked all three together. The current study identifies sleep as a possible mediating pathway that may be the missing link between fish and intelligence.
Analysis of the results showed that children who reported eating fish weekly scored 4.8 points higher on the IQ tests than those who rarely or never ate fish. Participants who reported eating fish sometimes scored 3.3 points higher on the exams.
Furthermore, increased fish consumption was linked to fewer sleep disturbances, which is a good indication of overall sleep quality.
“Lack of sleep is associated with antisocial behavior; poor cognition is associated with antisocial behavior,” said study co-author Adrian Raine. “We have found that omega-3 supplements reduce antisocial behavior, so it’s not too surprising that fish is behind this.”
Study co-author Jennifer Pinto-Martin pointed out that this study “adds to the growing body of evidence showing that fish consumption has really positive health benefits and should be something more heavily advertised and promoted.”
Pinto-Martin says that children should be introduced to fish by age two. The researchers also recommend serving fish at least once a week to the whole family.
The study was published 2017 in Scientific Reports.
Read more at scientific reports and earth.com
