U.S. children eat far less fish than recommended, with processed meats dominating diets. Experts urge parents to prioritize whole, oily fish (e.g., mackerel, sardines) for long-term behavioral and health benefits.

A groundbreaking British study from the University of Bristol has revealed a troubling gap in American children's diets. A lack of fish may be stunting their social development.

Published March 11 in the European Journal of Nutrition (EJN), the research suggests that kids who eat too little fish - rich in brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids - are more likely to struggle with empathy, sharing and cooperation. With U.S. children consuming far less seafood than chicken or beef, experts warn that nutritional deficits could have long-term consequences for behavior and health.

The study analyzed dietary and behavioral data from nearly 6,000 children, finding that those who ate little to no fish by age seven were 35 percent more likely to exhibit poor social skills. By age nine, the gap widened to 45 percent.

The culprit? A shortage of critical nutrients like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), omega-3 fats that fuel brain development.

Seafood is a source of many crucial nutrients for children - including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and iodine - and a marker of a healthy lifestyle. These compounds are essential for building neural pathways tied to prosocial behaviors such as helping, comforting and sharing, which emerge as early as toddlerhood. (Related: Can omega-3 fatty acids help kids with autism? The science says YES.)

The benefits of fish extend far beyond social graces. Previous research links childhood fish consumption to reduced risks of allergies, asthma and even Crohn's disease. A Pediatrics review found that kids introduced to fish before nine months had lower allergy rates, while a Gastroenterology study tied omega-3s to gut health.

Pediatrician Dr. David Berger emphasized the role of omega-3s in curbing neuroinflammation. Accordng to Berger, who wasn't involved in the EJN study, the anti-inflammatory properties of these fats may also ease symptoms of ADHD and autism

Fear of contaminants like mercury has led many parents to avoid fish, but experts argue the rewards outweigh the risks if families follow guidelines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends two weekly servings of low-mercury options like salmon, cod or tilapia, avoiding high-risk species like swordfish and shark.

Persistent organic pollutants found in fatty fish, can be mitigated by trimming skin. "Wild-caught salmon is a safer bet," Berger noted.

Historically, fish has been a dietary staple in coastal and traditional cultures, from Japan's sushi to Scandinavia's herring. But in the U.S., processed meats and poultry dominate. Only 28 percent of kids in the Bristol study met the two-portions-a-week benchmark - a trend mirrored across the pond.

The British National Health Service warns that boys should cap oily fish at four weekly servings, and two weekly servings for girls. But most children aren't even hitting the minimum, prompting the EJN study's lead author Dr. Caroline Taylor to urge parents to prioritize fish.

"The evidence is clear. Two portions a week could give children the best start in life," she remarked. As research mounts on the lifelong impact of childhood nutrition, the EJN study delivers a urgent message. Fish isn't just food - it's fuel for kinder, healthier futures.

Consuming omega-3 fats from fish and supplements lowers mortality by one-third.

Researchers: Eating fatty fish can boost omega-3 levels and reduce heart disease risk.