Junk Food In Pregnancy Could Lead To Anxiety, Depression In Kids

Scientists have raised the alarm over negative impact of some food on unborn kids, saying fatty diet during pregnancy impairs the brain in the development of children.These findings were published in the journal, ‘Frontiers in Endocrinology’. Research found that high fat diet lowers serotonin levels, resulting in mood disorders. Biochemically derived from tryptophan, serotonin is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), blood platelets, and the central nervous system (CNS) of animals, including humans.it is popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness. The researchers found that mothers who eat a high fat diet while pregnant are more likely to have children with mental health problems.

They grouped a total of 65 female Japanese macaques into two groups, one given a high-fat diet and one a control diet during pregnancy.
They then measured the behaviour among their 135 offspring and found that both males and females exposed to a high-fat diet during pregnancy showed higher levels of anxiety compared with those in the control group.

The researchers said this was caused by an impaired development of the central serotonin system in their brains. Lower serotonin levels can result in mood disorders and also affect appetite, digestion, memory, sleep and even sexual arousal.

Given the high level of dietary fat consumption and maternal obesity in developed nations, these findings have important implications for the mental health of future generations, the researchers reported.

In Nigeria, healthy eating during pregnancy is critical to the growth and development of the unborn baby.

During antenatal clinics, pregnant mothers seeking care are often advised to get necessary nutrients that their bodies require and that means eating from a variety of food groups, including fruits and vegetables, breads and grains, protein sources and dairy products. The consumption of these combination result in balanced diet. Despite the recommendation, some pregnant mothers still turn to junk food either as a result of habit  and ignorance, which may result to fatty diet.
However, in the new study, the team from Oregon Health and Science University tested the effect of a high-fat diet on pregnant primates.The researchers said this was caused by an impaired development of the central serotonin system in their brains. Lower serotonin levels can result in mood disorders and also affect appetite, digestion, memory, sleep and even sexual arousal.