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Contribution of fish to intakes of micronutrients important for fetal development: A Seychelles study
– Reported, May 27, 2013
Iodine and Fe deficiencies are two of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. An estimated 30% of the worlds population inhabits areas of iodine deficiency while Fe deficiency anaemia affects up to 50% of pregnant women in developing countries and up to 25% of children under the age of 3 years, with higher rates observed in developing countries.
Fe supplementation in children can improve mental and motor scores in standardised developmental assessments. Maternal Zn status has been linked with infants early behaviour, with Zn supplementation during pregnancy associated with increased motor activity in the offspring. Se is also a vital component of the maternal diet with essential roles in fetal development. Se might influence fetal development directly by interacting with iodine in regulating thyroid function and might also have a protective role in the prevention of methylmercury toxicity.
Long-chain PUFA play an important structural role in neural tissue, especially the brain and retina. Fetal accretion is at its greatest in the third trimester of pregnancy and supplementation with long-chain PUFA in pregnancy has been shown to improve cognitive function. Choline, a nutrient that can be synthesised de novo in the body, appears to be a conditionally essential dietary nutrient for optimal brain development both pre- and postnatally. Supplementation with choline in animal models has indicated a life-long enhancement in spatial memory and cognitive function).
The Republic of Seychelles is a small tropical archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean with one of the highest per capita rates of fish consumption in the world. The population consumes a traditional diet based around high fish consumption in conjunction with a high intake of fruit and vegetables. Such a diet would be expected to provide optimal nutrient intake with respect to those micronutrients of importance in infant development. Evidence has indicated that fish consumption has decreased by up to one-third over the last two decades as the Seychellois population adopts a more Western-style diet and life-style . This has led to increased concern that if these trends continue, micronutrient status may be compromised. However, no study to date has examined in detail dietary patterns during pregnancy in this population. The aims of the current project, therefore, were to characterise the diets of pregnant Seychellois women and to determine the role that fish play in promoting adequate intakes of nutrients important for fetal and neonatal development.
In conclusion, despite reports of a decline in fish consumption, the Seychellois population had a weekly average (SD) fish intake of 527 (327) g. This intake is almost four times greater than those observed in the UK. Fat intakes were higher than previously reported (The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version.Destroy user interface control26) and in most subjects exceeded the UK DRV for fat as a percentage of energy intake for both total (<35 %) and saturated (<10 %) fat. Indeed, macronutrient intakes in pregnant women in Seychelles were similar to intakes reported among pregnant women in the UK. These findings are reflective of a move towards a more Western-type diet and the emergence of an increased prevalence or risk factors for CHD in the Seychelles). Our observation that fish consumption was significantly higher in the subset of subjects who met nutrient recommendations for Fe, Zn, iodine and Se is an important finding and highlights the critical role of fish in ensuring optimal dietary intakes of key micronutrients during pregnancy. Furthermore, as a source of protein in the Seychellois diet, fish was equivalent to meat but without the associated higher energy and fat content. These findings are of vital public health importance to the Seychellois and emphasise the necessity in maintaining current levels of fish consumption in this population. However, the overall trend towards a lower consumption of fish could become problematic in the future. These findings suggest caution in establishing public health policies that promote limiting fish intake during pregnancy to reduce exposure to methyl-mercury. Such policies may result in concomitant decreases in important micronutrient intakes and increased energy and fat intakes. Emphasis on the benefits of fish consumption should, therefore, be prioritised.
CREDITS.
Maxine P Bonham, Emeir M Duffy, Paula J Robson, Julie M Wallace, Gary J Myers, Philip W Davidson, Tom W Clarkson, Conrad F Shamlaye, JJ Strain, and M Barbara E Livingstone
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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