New Study Links Western Diet in Pregnancy to Increased Autism and ADHD Risk

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A groundbreaking study from the University of Copenhagen and COPSAC sheds light on maternal nutrition and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Copenhagen, Denmark – March 2025 – A recent study published in Nature Metabolism has found a significant correlation between a mother’s diet during pregnancy and the likelihood of her child developing ADHD or autism. The research, conducted by the University of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) at the Danish Paediatric Asthma Centre, analyzed over 60,000 mother-child pairs, revealing that adherence to a Western diet—high in fat, sugar, and refined products while low in fish, vegetables, and fruit—substantially increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Key Findings Lead author Dr. David Horner, MD, PhD, explained that even a slight shift toward a Western diet during pregnancy was linked to a 66% higher risk of ADHD and a staggering 122% increase in autism risk. Conversely, the study suggests that minor dietary changes away from this pattern may help lower these risks.

The research utilized dietary data, blood samples, and clinical assessments from four large independent cohorts in Denmark and the United States. The most robust findings emerged from the analysis of 600 children who underwent clinical assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders at age 10.

Greatest Risk in Early Pregnancy The study highlighted that the strongest associations between diet and ADHD risk occurred in the first and second trimesters, periods crucial for fetal brain development. Researchers identified 43 specific metabolites in maternal blood linked to a Western diet, with 15 of these metabolites directly associated with ADHD risk. Many of these substances play key roles in inflammation and oxidative stress, factors crucial in early neurodevelopment.

Implications for Dietary Guidelines Dr. Horner and his team question whether current dietary recommendations for pregnant women are sufficiently tailored to support fetal brain development. While existing guidelines in Denmark emphasize a balanced diet, many pregnant women may still follow suboptimal dietary patterns. This study underscores the need for more specific nutritional guidance to mitigate risks.

“This study not only confirms the strong link between diet and ADHD risk but also highlights the importance of certain nutrients in fetal brain development,” said senior author Professor Morten Arendt Rasmussen.

Limitations of the Study As an observational study, the research demonstrates a strong statistical association but does not establish causation. Data was gathered from self-reported food frequency questionnaires, which may introduce recall bias. However, researchers mitigated this by employing machine-learning models to analyze blood metabolite scores as objective biomarkers. Additionally, while the study adjusted for factors such as genetics, BMI, and smoking, other lifestyle influences cannot be entirely ruled out.

Conclusion This study marks a significant step in understanding the impact of maternal diet on neurodevelopmental disorders. While further research is needed to refine dietary guidelines, expectant mothers may benefit from increasing their intake of whole foods, fish, and vegetables while reducing processed and high-sugar foods.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes scientific findings and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Pregnant individuals should consult healthcare professionals before making dietary changes.

Reference: Horner et al., “A Western Dietary Pattern During Pregnancy is Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence,” Nature Metabolism, March 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s42255-025-01230-z.