A Western Diet During Pregnancy May Increase the Risk of ADHD

New research shows that mothers who follow a Western diet—characterized by consumption of foods that are high in fat and sugar and low in fresh ingredients—during pregnancy may have an increased risk of having children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. The findings appeared in Nature Metabolism.

To reach their conclusion, the investigators assessed the dietary patterns, blood samples, and ADHD diagnoses in 4 large independent cohorts in both Denmark and the United States (COPSAC2010, Danish National Birth Control, VDAART, COPSAC2000), which included more than 60,000 mother-child pairs. Subsequently, the researchers analyzed blood samples using metabolomics, which yielded insights into biological mechanisms linking diet to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Maternal Diet Appears to Influence Fetal Development

The researchers observed a link between Western dietary patterns and ADHD across all 4 cohorts and validated it in 3 of the cohorts by using 3 different methods. Overall, the study showed the strongest correlations between a Western diet and ADHD risk during the first and second trimesters, findings that indicate fetal brain development in the initial stages are particularly sensitive to maternal nutrition.

“The greater a woman’s adherence to a Western diet in pregnancy—high in fat, sugar, and refined products while low in fish, vegetables, and fruit—the greater the risk appears to be for her child developing ADHD or autism,” says lead author, Dr David Horner, MD, PhD, via a press release.

“Our analysis not only confirms a strong link between diet and ADHD risk but also identifies specific nutrients and foods that could serve as the foundation for improved dietary guidelines and preventative strategies,” Dr. Horner added. “By understanding how maternal diet influences foetal development, we can better identify the key nutrients and dietary adjustments needed to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. This opens new possibilities for refining dietary recommendations and promoting healthier outcomes for future generations.”

Source

New Research: Strong link between Western diet during pregnancy and ADHD. News release. EurekAlert! March 3, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1075499