Maternal prenatal diet may play a role in the development of autism

They found that women who ate a healthy diet during pregnancy were 22% less likely to have a child with autism than women who ate an unhealthy diet.

The researchers defined a healthy diet as one that includes regular consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish and whole grains and excludes high-fat foods, processed meats, soft drinks and refined carbohydrates.

They also found that children born to mothers who regularly ate a healthy diet during pregnancy were 24% less likely to develop social or communication problems, independent of autism.

The relationship between prenatal diet and autism was stronger in mother-daughter pairs than in mother-son pairs.

However, the study does not explain why women who eat a healthier diet may reduce their risk of having a child with autism, but the researchers speculate it may have to do with how foods affect DNA or immune processes.

The researchers note that more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether prenatal diet could be a way to prevent autism.