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# Maternal dietary fat affects autism risk
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/maternal_dietary_fat_autism_0813130803/
- Published: 2013-08-13T21:02:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:23:57.000Z
- Description: Kristen Lyall and colleagues compared 317 mothers of children with autism to 17,728 controls in the Nurses' Health Study II. Mothers in the top quartile of linoleic acid intake were 34% less likely to have a child with autism; the lowest 5% of omega-3 intake fared worse.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Diet, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

The type of fat your mom ate during pregnancy can have an impact on your risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), according to a new study published in American Journal of Epidemiology.

The study led by Dr. Kristen Lyall, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston MA and colleagues found maternal intake of linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids was associated with reduced risk of autism.

Specifically, mothers in the highest quartiles of intake of linoleic acid were 34% less likely to have a child with autism, compared with those in the lowest quartile. Also, mothers in the lowest 5% of omega 3 fat intake were found 53% more likely to have autism spectrum disorders in their offspring. Particularly, intake of omega-3 fat in the highest quartile during pregnancy was associated with 142% increased risk of autism.

The data used for the study came from 317 mothers who reported a child with autism and 17,728 controls who enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II. 

The authors concluded "variations in intake of polyunsaturated fats within the range commonly observed among US women could affect fetal brain development and ASD risk." (reporting by David Liu)