Dietary intake of omega-3 PUFAs and fish in relation to mother-to-infant bonding in the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

Bonding disorders are known to have significant negative effects on mother-to-infant interactions and nurturing behaviours. In this study, we examined the relationship of dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and fish with mother-to-infant bonding at 1 and 6 months postpartum. Participants were 91,147 mothers enrolled in the ongoing Japan Environment and Children's Study. Omega-3 PUFA intake was measured using the Food Frequency Questionnaire administered during pregnancy (mean ± SD, 27.9 ± 6.7 weeks of gestation). Bonding was assessed using self-report questionnaires administered at 1 and 6 months postpartum. The lower the LMF (lack of maternal feeling) factor score, AC (anxiety about caregiving) factor score, and total score, the better the bonding. In analyses based on the lowest quintile of omega-3 PUFA intake, the odds ratios for LMF, AC, and total scores tended to decrease as the quintile increased at 1 and 6 months postpartum. Higher omega-3 PUFA intake during pregnancy was associated with better bonding. Thus, habitual intake of omega-3 PUFAs during pregnancy may help smoothly build attachment to the child and reduce a lack of maternal feeling and parental anxiety.