A Spanish study published in May 2019 found that a maternal diet rich in nuts during the first trimester of pregnancy is linked to improved cognitive outcomes in children, including better attention capacity, cognitive function, and long-term memory. Conducted by the INMA project across four regions of Spain — Sabadell (Barcelona), Valencia, Guipuzcoa, and Asturias — the research tracked approximately 2,200 mother-and-child pairs enrolled in dietary cohorts. The findings suggest that the first three months of pregnancy may represent a critical window during which nut consumption can meaningfully shape fetal neurodevelopment. Expectant mothers looking to support their child's brain health may have a straightforward, evidence-backed dietary intervention available to them from the earliest stage of pregnancy.
- The study was published on May 7, 2019, via Springer Link.
- The research was carried out in Spain under the INMA project, with study sites in Sabadell (Barcelona), Valencia, Guipuzcoa, and Asturias.
- The study included approximately 2,200 mother-and-child pairs enrolled in cohorts.
- Nut consumption was specifically evaluated during the first trimester, meaning the first three months of pregnancy.
- A maternal diet rich in nuts during early pregnancy was associated with improvements in the offspring's attention capacity, cognitive function, and long-term memory.
Nuts in pregnancy: medical study discovers benefits for neurodevelopment
Date of Study: May 7, 2019
Source: Springer Link
Summary:
While you may have heard about the benefits of nuts for health in general, this medical study which was carried out in Spain, has highlighted the link between nut intake in the first trimester with more positive outcomes in cognitive function after birth.
A maternal diet rich in nuts during the first three months of pregnancy has been evaluated by this study. Nut intake at this time can improve the offspring’s attention capacity, cognitive function and long term memory.
Carried out by the INMA project, which is located in various parts of Spain, including Sabadell (Barcelona), Valencia, Guipuzcoa and Asturias, this study included around 2200 Mum and child pairs. These subjects were enrolled in cohorts and their eating habits were studied.
To discover more go to this medical study about nuts in pregnancy.
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What neurodevelopmental benefits does eating nuts during pregnancy provide?
A maternal diet rich in nuts during the first trimester has been linked to improved attention capacity, cognitive function, and long-term memory in offspring. The study, published in May 2019, found that nut intake during the first three months of pregnancy was associated with more positive outcomes in cognitive function after birth.
When during pregnancy should mothers eat nuts to benefit their baby's brain development?
According to the study, nut consumption during the first trimester — the first three months of pregnancy — is the critical window associated with improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. The research specifically evaluated maternal nut intake during this early stage of pregnancy.
Which research project conducted the study on nuts and pregnancy?
The study was carried out by the INMA project, a research initiative based in several regions of Spain, including Sabadell in Barcelona, Valencia, Guipuzcoa, and Asturias.
How many mother and child pairs were included in the nuts and pregnancy study?
The study included around 2,200 mother and child pairs, who were enrolled in cohorts and had their eating habits studied to assess the relationship between maternal nut intake and child neurodevelopment.
Where was the nuts and pregnancy neurodevelopment study conducted?
The study was conducted in Spain by the INMA project, with participants drawn from multiple locations including Sabadell (Barcelona), Valencia, Guipuzcoa, and Asturias.
What aspects of a child's cognition are affected by maternal nut consumption in the first trimester?
Maternal nut intake during the first trimester is associated with improvements in three specific areas of a child's neurodevelopment: attention capacity, cognitive function, and long-term memory.
When was the study on nuts in pregnancy and neurodevelopment published?
The study was published on May 7, 2019, and is available via Springer Link.