It is well known that the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish called EPA (eicoapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are important for minimizing inflammation and improving brain health. For example, maternal fish intake or supplementation with fish oil during pregnancy has been shown to improve brain development, language, and motor skills in infants and young children. Improved brain function and academic performance may also be seen in adolescents who consume more fish and Omega-3 fatty acids. Recently, more studies are continuing to solidify the evidence that fish can have a positive impact on cognition and brain health. 

A recent study out of the University of Pennsylvania found that schoolchildren who consume fish more frequently have less sleep disturbance and a higher IQ. These results still held true when this association was adjusted for various other factors including socioeconomic status. 

THE STUDY:

The study was a longitudinal study on 541 chinese schoolchildren. The study evaluated participants by using a food-frequency questionnaire, measuring IQ scores, and evaluating sleep quality. The food frequency questionnaire and sleep quality measures were evaluated at ages 9-11, while IQ assessments were performed on the children at age 12. 

THE RESULTS:

• Those who ate fish more frequently had higher verbal, performance, and total IQ scores

• Those who ate more fish had lower total sleep disturbance score

• Those who ate more fish had a higher sleep quality

• Those with fewer sleep disturbances were more likely to have a higher IQ

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

This study further solidifies the fact that fish and omega-3 fatty acid consumption are important for proper brain health and development. It also showed that one possible effect of a higher fish consumption, improved sleep, may also be a factor that leads to improved cognitive scores (IQ). Overall, this study shows the importance of fish consumption (and omega-3 fatty acid intake) and further supports the knowledge of it's ability to improve cognitive performance and sleep. 

References:

1. Jianghong Liu, Ying Cui, Linda Li, Lezhou Wu, Alexandra Hanlon, Jennifer Pinto-Martin, Adrian Raine, Joseph R. Hibbeln. The mediating role of sleep in the fish consumption – cognitive functioning relationship: a cohort study. Scientific Reports, 2017; 7 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17520-w