Omega-6s are “essential” polyunsaturated fatty acids, which means that they are not made by the body: they must be supplied to the body through the diet.
If omega-6s play an important role in the functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems, it is essential not to abuse them: experts estimate that it is necessary to consume 4 times more omega-6 than omega -3, no more! However, in most Western countries, populations consume up to … 20 times more.
According to a new study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (in Spain), too high an omega-6: omega-3 ratio during pregnancy could promote the development of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) in the child. Clearly, if we consume (a lot) more omega-6 than omega-3 while waiting for Baby, there is a risk of hyperactivity!
To reach this conclusion, the Spanish researchers (who published their work in the Journal of Pediatrics) worked with 600 children living in Spain: they analyzed plasma samples from the umbilical cords while the volunteers (as well as their parents) were asked to answer questionnaires at the age of 4 and 7 .
4 times more omega-6 than omega-3, no more!
Verdict? By age 7, the number of ADHD-related symptoms in children increased on average by 13% for every 1 point increase in the omega-6: omega-3 ratio consumed during pregnancy.
“While we cannot say with certainty that an omega-6: omega-3 imbalance during pregnancy causes attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity, this work is a wake-up call and we invite all future mothers to monitor their diet and limit excess, ”say the researchers.
Omega-6s are found in particular in sunflower seeds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower oil and peanuts.
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