Food for thought

Pregnant women who do not eat enough fish and green vegetables could be jeopardising their baby's eyesight, experts warned today.

New research suggests that nutrition in the womb and in the first years of life plays a key role in determining whether youngsters will need glasses.

Scientists believe mothers-to-be whose diets do not include foods such as tuna, broccoli, spinach and peas could be denying their offspring vital nutrients that protect against blindness.

But the findings are likely to spark confusion among pregnant women following warnings that some fish contains mercury, which could harm their offspring. Dieticians believe mothers-to-be now need clear advice about what types of fish are safe and exactly how much they should eat.

The latest research is being carried out by scientists at the Institute of Nutrition and Brain Chemistry in London.

While poor vision often runs in families - encouraging many victims to believe they can do little about it - experts at the institute believe pregnant women can help protect their offspring from weak eyesight and age-related visual problems, which can lead to blindness.

Professor Michael Crawford, who is leading the research project, said: "If babies do not get enough of the right nutrients in the womb, they are far more likely to suffer from poor visual development. The richest source of these nutrients are fish and vegetables."

Almost 60 per cent of people in Britain rely on corrective eyewear. One in five 16- to 24-year-olds and a third of 25- to 34-year-olds wears glasses or contact lenses. In later life many go on to develop Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the Western world.

But scientists believe some problems could be avoided before birth if mothers ate more foods rich in DHA, a fatty acid essential for developing and maintaining the brain and visual system.

DHA can be obtained directly from fish, particularly tuna, mackerel and sardines, and indirectly from green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. These vegetables contain substances which the human body can convert into DHA.

Professor Crawford said: "Pregnant women should eat at least two portions of fish a week, and more of green vegetables."

The latest research comes just weeks after the Food Standards Agency warned some fish may be contaminated with mercury, which can damage unborn children.

Wendy Doyle, spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association, said: "Women are receiving mixed messages. On the one hand, they are being told to eat more fish to protect their babies; on the other, they are being told the fish could contain mercury. They need to know exactly what is safe and beneficial, and what isn't."